Honouring service & sacrifice: widows & families at the centre of remembrance
On the morning of 23 April, we gathered once again to do what war widows and veteran families have done for 74 years: remember their loved one, their own way.
The 74th annual ANZAC Field of Remembrance was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, where 140 guests came together in person ahead of ANZAC Day. Many more joined us through the live stream, with members gathering in Coffs Harbour, Albury, Laurieton, and Yass, while others watched from homes across the country. No matter where we were, we were united in the same act of remembrance.
To step inside the Cathedral that morning was to step into a place quieter than the world outside — a solemn space warmed by the company of women who understand one another without needing words. As members described it, the morning feels “almost out of this world,” or “spectacular, uplifting.” For the women who attend every year — some travelling great distances — this is the most important day of the year.
The service was led by Master of Ceremonies Sarah L, who understands loss and sacrifice intimately following the loss of her partner Alexander, in 2023—an understanding that bound her to the women sitting in the pews. The service delivered its familiar proceedings, until the moment awaited by all, and the heart of this unique service: the laying of tributes in remembrance of loved ones.
The laying of the crosses is the moment the morning turned. After official crosses were laid by dignitaries, the service focus turned to the women who created it. War widows stepped forward, each laying a tribute for each conflict Australia was involved in, from the First World War to Afghanistan. Beside each woman stood a child, a grandchild or a great-grandchild of a veteran, carrying a sprig of wattle to place alongside the cross. Watching generations of widows and families laying tributes side by side is a bittersweet reminder that service and sacrifice is carried across generations, and a hope that our veterans’ sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Following them, every war widow in attendance stepped forward and laid their own tribute. By the time they reached the Field, their crosses were inscribed with names of veterans and personal messages, drawings, rosemary, or flowers — a whole life carried onto the crosses that were held on tightly, kissed and laid with a mix of pride and sadness.
At that moment, the Cathedral falls still. An indescribable emotion fills the room and holds everyone in. As war widows lay their tribute, the space swells with love, grief, sadness and a pride that belongs only to our war widows. It is a moment that allows them to grieve and to honour in their own way, alongside others who need no explanation. When speaking of the service, our war widows reach for words to describe it. “I don’t know exactly what it is,” Mary P says. “It’s remembrance.”
The Field grew further still as families and members of the congregation were invited forward to lay their own tribute in remembrance of a veteran they love. Formality resumed and the service closed with a deeply moving reading of the poem The Silent Ranks, delivered by Sue D and her grandson, Angus — a tribute to all those who stand beside and behind our veterans, in service and in loss.
Reflecting on the day, members described what it means to them. Jenny W shared, “it means everything to me… I get teary honouring not just our men, but ourselves for what we do.” Looking across the Field of crosses, Lynne B reflects: “they’re still in our hearts no matter what.” When asked what makes this service unique, Jackie C said, “it is more intimate, especially for war widows.”
This year, as our organisation marks 80 years, the ANZAC Field of Remembrance stands as a testament to what we have always known: that remembrance is not a single day. For war widows who miss their veteran, they remember every day.
The crosses laid that morning did not remain only within the Cathedral walls. From the following day, they were displayed at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, where the broader community could see the Field, the tributes, and the names of those who may not have made it to an honour roll — and where war widows’ and families’ loss, grief and sacrifice were in view, for all to acknowledge and understand a little deeper, during ANZAC Day and beyond.
To make the service as accessible to all in our community, regardless of location and availability, once again the ANZAC Field of Remembrance was recorded and can be watched on our Youtube.
