It is a symbol of service, sacrifice and of a promise kept for 100 years.

On July 29, local war widows, veterans and legatees, will bear a torch through the streets of Orange to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Legacy. One of Australia's oldest and most trusted charities, Legacy is dedicated to supporting the families of veterans who have given their life or health to this country.

The charity was formed following the horrors of the First World War, but its role is just as important today as it was then, Orange Legacy president Ed Furze said.

“I've been involved with Legacy now about four years,” Ed said. “My father-in-law started in Legacy before me, and he was a prisoner of war in Germany. My father was not in legacy, but he was also a returned serviceman and I see it as a very worthy cause.”

The prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, which was Australia’s longest war, has seen an increase in families needing help, Ed said, especially given the greater understanding of the mental impact on veterans.

“Legacy is helping those who've returned who have either been damaged physically or mentally, which appears to be a much growing area of concern,” he said. “It is a great worthy cause to be involved in.”

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay started out in Pozières, France on April 23. It has since travelled to Menin Gate, Belgium, London, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and northern NSW.

The torch will arrive in Orange on July 29, where 20 locals will carry it from the Botanic Gardens to Robertson Park and Legacy House. The route will take the torch down Hill Street to Mathews Avenue, past Bletchington Public School, turn onto Peisley then Margaret Streets, crossing the railway line and passing the Romani Barracks. Then turning onto McLachlan, Dalton, Nile and March Streets, it will be carried past the memorial in Newman Park to William Street, Dalton Street, then Anson Street to the Orange Memorial Hall, and along Byng Street to Robertson Park where a cauldron will be lit.

The relay will begin from the Botanic Gardens at 10am and the torch is expected to arrive in Robertson Park at about midday. Following the lighting of the cauldron, there will also be an unveiling of a plaque at the nearby Legacy House to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

“Being 100 years, I think it is a time to come together and realise that Legacy is still here and it's time to waive the banner high,” Ed said, encouraging people to come out and support the torch carriers on the day, but also consider giving financial support to Legacy.

“It is a fundraising event. We're always in need of some funds to help get us by and I guess this really is just reiterating the point of Legacy and for a lot of young people who may well not have any idea what legacy is about,” he said. “So it's a time for celebration, but also renewal.”

From Orange, the Legacy Centenary Torch will head to Forbes, continuing its journey to all 45 Legacy Clubs, before finishing at the founding home of Legacy in Melbourne on October 13. 

For more information on the relay or to find out how you can support Legacy, visit  www.legacytorchrelay.com.au