I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation and pay my respects to their elders past and present.
I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the past and continue to do so today.
I pay tribute to any current or former defence personnel who join us today, as well as the families of those who have served – particularly, those Legacy families who have lost loved ones.
Thank you all for your sacrifices.
Governor General.
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Well – the torch has made it halfway around the world, done a loop of Australia and made it here, to the home of Legacy – Melbourne.
The torch has made it further in just 6 months than many seasoned travellers may make in a lifetime.
Congratulations to you all for the parts you have played in making that happen.
I know many of you have shared in the humbling experience of carrying the torch along the way, I was honoured to have the privilege to do so in Perth.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I thank Legacy for the century of support it has given to the families of those who have served our nation, and for the care you continue to provide.
We very much appreciate the wonderful work of dedicated Legatees who give your time and energy to make a massive difference in the lives of so many veteran families now, and the care and support you’ve provided over the century.
For Legacy’s work today supports families in our veteran community of all kinds.
They, like the Australian Government, appreciate the need to support the whole family unit, that’s reflected in our initiatives.
The Australian Government, indeed all Australians are grateful for the work you do each and every day and we’re proud to have provided funding to support your centenary activities.
I think the Torch Relay is a really beautiful way to mark this special milestone.
I had the great honour of representing Australia at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli this year, around the time the relay set off from the Western Front.
On that trip, the mission of Legacy really came to the fore.
Through the course of the trip we scaled the cliffs of Anzac Cove, and walked the rows of headstones in the cemeteries where so many of our Diggers lie.
So many of our Diggers never made it home from Gallipoli.
Many more never made it home from the Western Front.
More than 103,000 Australians have lost their lives in the service of our nation.
It’s up to all of us to look after the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Legacy has done that so well over the last century, from the First World War, to today.
It’s up to all of us to keep the Legacy promise for generations to come.
For each of those Aussies who lie on distant shores.
For those who made it home but never recovered, be that in body, mind or spirit.
For those families who were never whole again.
While today brings to a close the Legacy Torch Relay, it’s up to all of us to make sure it’s’ flame never burns out.
A flame that reminds us of the eternal sacrifices of so many, and the original Legacy promise.
Thank you.
