War Widows Day 2024, a day to remember
War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting Australian war widows. It ensures they feel honoured and acknowledged and gives us the opportunity to say thank you for what they have sacrificed. Across New South Wales alone, more than 10,700 war widows and widowers face the challenges of grief and isolation. Their partners made ultimate sacrifices for our country, and those left behind carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence.
This year, we hosted our third War Widows Day Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney. The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Tricia Hobson, Chair of Families of Veterans Guild, who spoke about the importance of honouring the sacrifices of war widows and their families.
A moving tribute followed, celebrating the legacy of Jessie Vasey, founder of the War Widows Guild, and recognising the contributions of past leaders Audrey Blood OAM and Diana Bland. Former State President Wendy Thompson and former Director Lynne Boyd delivered a touching war widows address, reflecting on the enduring legacy of these incredible women.
Once again, we turned the focus of the Service to those we were gathered to honour, our war widows. As war widows of all generations, their children and carers made their way, one by one to lay a branch of wattle in silent reflect, it was difficult not to be moved. Seeing the widows makes it all very real for those who hear their stories.
As has become a new tradition at our events, we left the final word to a war widow who shared a poem “What if” reflecting on the love, story and sacrifice of a widow who husband served Australia with pride and honour.
Words from our Chair, Tricia Hobson
Board Chair Tricia Hobson spoke throughout the day about the enduring strength and resilience of war widows, emphasising the deep bond that unites them. She reflected on how, over the nearly 80 year history of the organisation, war widows have come together to support one another.
“The story of our organisation is one of women banding together to help other women. That story continues today and goes back almost 80 years. On War Widows Day, we honour war widows past and present and our founders for what they have sacrificed and given so we benefit today.” Said Tricia.
Tricia reflected “War Widows Day serves as a reminder of Australia’s history, of the cost of our peace and security and the foundations on which our country was built. A day like today shines a light on the individuals who stand under the long shadow of war, who stand and stood beside our nation’s veterans.”
“To the widows and widowers here today, thank you, for all you have given and sacrificed for the Australia we enjoy today.” said Tricia.
View the pictures of War Widows Day 2024 below
