In 2019 one of Australia's longest and proudest traditions, Legacy Week (September 1-7) and Badge Day (Friday the 6th) is more important than ever, although sadly many don't know what Legacy does or think of Legacy as an organisation that cares for a dwindling group of older war widows.
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With the help of a group of dedicated volunteers - known as Legatees - the organisation currently supports more than 130 widows, children and dependants within the Mudgee North West Legacy division.
The Legacy torch is instantly recognisable to most Australians and that little badge is a symbol of a proud Australian tradition spanning nine decades which continues to make a big impact on veteran's families today.
In real terms, a $10 badge will assist providing after school care for the child of a young widow who works to support her family. A $5 badge will help support a widow to live her senior years at home with dignity without social isolation. A $20 badge will provide a veteran's child with uniforms, buy school books or support them to pursue a tertiary education.
"Legacy badges may be small, but the funds they raise make a big impact to the lives of those who have given up so much and need us to continue to stand by their side during the tough times," Rodger Howard, president of Mudgee North West Legacy and Legatee, said.
"These families have seen their loved ones leave our shores to serve in wars throughout time, from WWII and Vietnam to Afghanistan and Iraq. Many never made the journey home and others returned bearing the physical or mental scars of war.
"Legacy also supports families whose husbands died many years after serving our nation. All are equally deserved of our respect and support for the sacrifices their families have made for their country.
"This Legacy Week, we only ask you to buy a small badge to help us support the families of our local current serving ADF personnel or veterans who are deceased or incapacitated. The impact of your generosity is felt in the living rooms of the widows and children in your neighbourhood."
So think about the impact you can make by buying a small badge, or donate at legacy.com.au.
How to support Legacy locally
School students will be selling merchandise in the Mudgee CBD and industrial area on Friday (September 6); and there'll be Badge Day stalls, also selling raffle tickets, in Gulgong and Kandos.
Legacy will be selling raffle tickets in the Mudgee Town Centre, Church and Market streets Monday-Thursday, with an in-store raffle at Coles on the Friday. They'll also be at Club Mudgee on Wednesday and Friday evenings, as well as local pubs during the week.
The Girl Guides will be at junior sport at Glen Willow on Saturday, August 31.
The story of the symbol
In its torch, the Legacy badge symbolises the undying flame of service and sacrifice passed on by comrades in war who have died.
In its wreath of laurel, with its points inverted in remembrance, the Legacy badge recognises the honour and reward of those who gave their lives for our country.
