Bryce lays wreath with Afghanistan widow

Governor-General Quentin Bryce has laid a wreath, along with the widow of a soldier
killed in Afghanistan, at a Legacy remembrance ceremony.
Ms Bryce was joined by Defence head Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston and Breeanna
Till, the widow of Sergeant Brett Till, at the ceremony in Sydney on Monday to
launch national legacy week.
Sgt Till was killed by an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Afghanistan
in March and his wife is due to give birth to the couple's child in November.
Ms Bryce told war widows and families she was moved each time she met the loved ones
of someone who had died while on military service.
"Legacy week is the moment in our national calender to sit still and contemplate
history, memory and sacrifice.
"To remember its origins in Melbourne in 1923, the fine ex-servicemen who'd come
from the first Australian imperial force to begin this movement with the noblest
ideals of compassion and generosity of spirit," Ms Bryce told the ceremony at the
Cenotaph in central Sydney.
For the past 86 years thousands of families had been assisted by Legacy as it cared
for 115,000 war widows, 900 children and their children across Australia.
Legacy provides financial help, counselling, disability support, advocacy and
friendship.
"As commander in chief of our defence forces, I am very conscious of what you offer
to our defence personnel and especially those currently serving," Ms Bryce said.
"Peace of mind, reassurance, the knowledge that somebody cares in a genuine and
practical way for loved ones at home."
Veterans Affairs Minister Alan Griffin is also urging urged Australians to dig deep
for Legacy this week.
"I encourage Australians to buy a badge during Legacy Week and support an
organisation providing invaluable support to the families of Australian Defence
Force personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country," he said in
a statement.
"Legacy representatives are often among the first people to approach grieving
families after the loss of a loved one and their support and guidance are vital
during these difficult times," he said.
Legacy badges are being sold around Australia and donations can be made by phoning
1800 LEGACY (534 229) or at www.legacy.com.au.
Kicking off Legacy week, Telstra announced long-term national sponsorship through
provision of financial assistance and telecommunications services for families of
fallen Australian Defence Force members.
Telstra chief executive David Thodey said this reflected the company's commitment to
providing practical support for Australians in times of need.
"This Telstra sponsorship is our way of keeping the promise to do what we can to
help support families that have sacrificed so much for our great country," he said
in a statement.
Legacy chairman David Kelly said this would enable Legacy to provide support
services to help overcome social isolation for many elderly widows as well as to
connect our young people.
"It will also enable this geographically diverse organisation which is run by
volunteers, to engage with each other and share information in a more meaningful and
regular way using telecommunications," he said.