The Melbourne Legacy Widows Club and I share an important milestone – we are both 90 being ‘born’ in 1923.
Melbourne Legacy was formed to help the widows and children of comrades who did not survive World War I.
At the time people thought the Great War was the war to end all wars, but sadly that has not been the case.
To this day Legacy is still caring for widows and children of veterans of subsequently conflicts.
These include the World War II, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, the Gulf War and numerous peace operations.
While the need for dependant children has decreased in recent years, the ongoing care of widows has increased.
Based in Birch Avenue, Dandenong North, the Dandenong West Gippsland Group of Melbourne Legacy covers a wide area from Warneet to Belgrave, Springvale to Nar Nar Goon and Lang Lang to Wantirna.
Legacy members will no doubt pause today (Monday) at 11am for the annual Remembrance Day commemorations.
The Dandenong Cranbourne branch of the RSL held its Remembrance Day service last Thursday at the Endeavour Hills War Memorial.
Buying a poppy for Remembrance Day contributes to Legacy’s important ongoing work.
Another way you can support Legacy is through buying one of the special commemorative medallions which capture the spirit and essence of Legacy’s 90 years of service.
The medallions feature the Louis Laumen sculpture, Widow and Children and the symbol of the Australian Army bugler.
A donation of $5 will go to Legacy from every sale of the silver medallion and commemorative pair.
For further details go to www.legacy.com.au.
LIVING TREASURES
The immediate past mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, councillor Angela Long, resplendent in her robes of office, was a striking hostess when she entertained the city’s Living Treasures at the annual dinner in October.
The treasures and their partners present included Heather Duggan, Merle Mitchell, Maria Erdeg, Val Wilson, Mary Borg, Albert and Patricia Blashki, Peter Jaddour, An Nguyen and myself.
Cr Long said she was humbled when she looked about the room and acknowledged the outstanding contribution each of the Living Treasures had made to our great city.
She said the Living Treasures had become mentors to other who have “followed in your footsteps”.
“Your hope, heart and wisdom reinforced the belief that there is a better future for Greater Dandenong, one that encompasses equality, acceptance and opportunity.”
Sadly, we lost Living Treasure Lorenzo Modica during the past year.
