Keeping the Promise: Legacy's Centenary Torch Relay continues through the nation's capital

 Our commitment to veterans

In commemoration of Legacy's 100th year supporting veterans' families this year, the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay continued on its journey through Canberra, marking the start of Legacy Week. It was with honour that Andy Kirkpatrick OAM, Sales Director Digital Systems, a distinguished figure within Thales and the veteran community, carried the Torch of behalf of Thales, a responsibility that carried profound personal meaning to Andy.

Legacy Week, an honoured tradition since 1942, continues Legacy’s ‘Promise’ to support veterans’ families after the loss of a loved one through community fundraising and volunteering. This year’s commemoration was launched at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Monday 28 August. In the presence of Legacy Patron, The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and Mrs Hurley, the ceremony marked the solemn beginning of this year’s Legacy Week. Notable figures such as Thales Australia & New Zealand CEO Jeff Conolly and Legacy Chairman Eric Easterbrook, as well as dignitaries, Australian Defence Force personnel, politicians and members of the veteran community were also in attendance.

Legacy Week Commemoration Ceremony, Australian War Memorial, Canberra - August 2023.

Following the ceremony, the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay commenced with over 50 volunteers carrying the Torch through our nation’s capital, including Andy Kirkpatrick OAM, Sales Director, Digital Systems from our Deakin site.

The opportunity to attend the start of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay at the Australian war Memorial and to hear firsthand the difference that Legacy has made to a young family whose husband and father have benefited from the fantastic work and support that Legacy undertake was extremely moving. Then to have the opportunity to carry the Legacy Torch through the streets of Canberra and be cheered on by large crowds of locals before being able to witness to arrive of the Torch at Government House for the lighting of the cauldron was a once in a lifetime experience and something that I will never forget. It has been an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a worthy cause. Well done to team Thales for the ongoing support to such a fantastic organisation."

Andy Kirkpatrick OAM
 

As a principal partner of Legacy for over a decade, Thales Australia has accompanied the Torch Relay as it made its way through Europe, and now Australia.

Andy Kirkpatrick OAM (right), Sales Director Digital Systems, alongside Nick de Bont (centre), Chief Security Officer and Chair of the Veterans Committee and Mark Hilton (left), VP Digital Systems and Executive Sponsor of the Thales Veterans Committee, at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Australia National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France - April 2023.

As an ex-serving member to have been able to be in Europe among the battlefields where Australian soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice and witness the lighting of Legacy flame for the start of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay through France, Belgium and London was an honour. It has been overwhelming to track the journey of this once in a lifetime from Europe to the shores of Australia and around the width and breath of this great country of ours."

Andy Kirkpatrick OAM

Beyond its personal significance, the torch relay stands as a testament to unity in support of veterans and their families, both within Thales and across Australia. Andy’s continued role in this historic event sparked feelings of pride and camaraderie within the local Canberra community, resonating strongly with his colleagues.

The Torch is now making its way to Melbourne, travelling throughout the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. For more information on the relay, visit the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay site here.

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