Rick Cranna’s volunteer Legacy is a long one
ALMOST 100 years ago a soldier made a promise to his wounded mate, lying in a trench on the Western Front of WWI, to protect the dying Digger’s family should he himself survive.
Pride of Australia
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ALMOST 100 years ago a soldier made a promise to his wounded mate, lying in a trench on the Western Front of WWI, to protect the dying Digger’s family should he himself survive.
It is a promise that inspired Legacy Australia — and one which ex-serviceman Richard “Rick” Cranna has dedicated his life to for 47 years.
At the age of 72, Mr Cranna is Legacy’s longest-serving volunteer and was recently elected chairman of the charity which has helped tens of thousands of war widows, children and veterans across the nation since it was established in 1923.
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After returning from serving in Vietnam in 1969, Mr Cranna followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a Legatee and has now been with the organisation for half of its existence.
Brisbane Waters Legacy vice president John George nominated Mr Cranna for a Pride of Australia Medal for his long years of tireless devotion to the cause.
“Legacy is his life,” Mr George said. “He’s spent 47 years running around in his own car, with 20 to 30 widows to look after at a time … and over to Vietnam to help at hospitals and orphanages — and there’s nothing in that for him.”
Mr Cranna said as long as there is war, there will always be a need for Legacy and he hopes to be able to help out for many more years as “a humble Legatee”.
The Pride of Australia Medal seeks to celebrate local heroes across the nation.