Perfect conditions for start of national Legacy Centenary Torch Relay in historically significant Albany

A flame representing Legacy’s unbroken century-old promise to support the families of Australian veterans made its way through Albany on Wednesday for the first leg of a national tour. The flame was passed between 25 torch bearers as it was carried along the boardwalk from Binalup/Middleton Beach to Anzac Peace Park via Albany’s port. From there, torchbearers turned back towards Marine Drive before eventually making their way to the National Anzac Centre on Mt Adelaide. Legacy chair Eric Easterbrook carried the flame, which had been lit in France 10 days earlier, across the sands of the beach in a lamp to the relay’s starting point with an escort from the 10th Light Horse Troop. A Royal Australian Air Force fly-past then signalled the start of the proceedings. Former WA governor and Federal minister for defence Kim Beazley had the honour of being the first torch bearer for the Albany leg. Before receiving the flame, he told the gathered crowd, which included several military dignitaries, military personnel and State politicians, about his connection to legacy. He said the organisation had supported his mother’s education when she needed to travel to Melbourne to become a physical education teacher, and that in turn, she devoted time on the weekends to support future legatees. Mr Easterbrook then lit Mr Beazley’s torch and cut a ribbon to pronounce the start of the relay. Mr Beazley walked the flame from the Ellen Cove amphitheatre to the beginning of the boardwalk where it was passed on to Bradley Johansson.