It is more than three quarters of a century since Morrie Hart was discharged from the Army, but he is still carrying a torch for the families of those who weren't lucky enough to grow old.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Morrie - who turned 100 in May, will be the oldest torch bearer to take part in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.
The relay celebrates 100 years of Legacy supporting family members of Australian Defence Force personnel who gave their lives or health in service to their country.
It started on the battlefields of Pozieres in France and landed in Western Australia for the first leg of its Australian journey in May.
It will have traveled 50,000 km when it finishes up in Melbourne in October. Over the course of its journey it will travel through 100 stops, be carried by approximately 1500 Torch Bearers and supported by 2000 volunteers.
Morrie will take part in the Gold Coast leg of the relay on June 19.
Born in Melbourne in 1923, Morrie joined the Army in 1941, was sent to Queensland three weeks later, then on to to Papua New Guinea, where he took part in the Battle of Buna-Gona. He was discharged in 1946.
He joined Legacy after retiring and also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years.
Morrie said he considered it a great honour to be asked to bear the torch during the relay's centenary celebrations.
"What will make it even more memorable for me is that I too celebrated 100 years on this earth on the second of May," he said.
"I am still an active Legatee for the Gold Coast Legacy Club where I am a regular attendee at our club meetings and functions and I am also responsible for organising the ladies at the Nerang Laurel Social Club.
"I have been proud to be involved with Legacy for over 40 years and have had the honour of attending weddings, graduations and other family events of the families that I have helped provide care and support for over those years."
The Torch Relay is presented by Defence Health.
Members of the public can support the event by volunteering or making a donation. For more information click here.
