ANZAC Field of remembrance - Families of Veterans Guild

74th ANZAC Field of Remembrance

Kelly Taylor — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:58:41 +0000

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.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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ANZAC Field of Remembrance Regional gatherings

Kelly Taylor — Mon, 04 May 2026 06:58:19 +0000

Each year, we do our best to bring the ANZAC Field of Remembrance to regional areas. It is important to us that widows who are not located in Sydney or who cannot travel to attend the service have a way to be involved no matter where they live.

This is why we host the regional gatherings around NSW to watch a livestream of the service, and allow war widows to come together, lay crosses, and share the experience with the people who understand their loss and their feeling around ANZAC Day.

This year, we hosted regional livestream gatherings in Coffs Harbour, Yass, Albury and Laurieton, with attendees feedback highlighting how moving it was and how much it is needed for them regionally.

Laurieton

In Laurieton, the gathering was described with just one word: “marvellous.” 20 widows came together, sharing morning tea with personalised, painted crosses at the ready for when tributes were to be laid.

The livestream itself was a moving experience, with widows reflecting on the emotional impact of the service. “It brings back memories,” one widow shared.

The gathering held particular significance for the local widows, as the livestream offered a rare chance to take part in a national moment of remembrance, without the difficulty of travelling to a larger service. “There are a lot of the older ladies, so this is great for them.”

Yass

The Yass gathering was held at the Yass Soldiers Club included widows from Yass, Queanbeyan, and Goulburn.

The day began with morning tea, followed by the livestream and lunch. as the widows sat together attentively watching the service, many reflected on their own losses. During key moments of the service, including the Ode and the laying of the crosses, members stood in deep reflection and in solidarity with their peers in Sydney.

The atmosphere was described as deeply moving and allowed many of the widows present to not just passively watch the service, but to actively participate.

Albury

Albury saw another “strong turnout,” with more than 20 widows attending the livestream gathering. “The service was great,” reflected a local widow who said that the live stream paired with their local participation provided a feeling of being at the service in Sydney.

Marlene, Albury Social Club Coordinator, suggested the idea of members placing their crosses in gardens and pot plants, ensuring that their tribute could be laid somewhere they can see every day. “I put my cross in the garden,” she shared.

The accessibility of the livestream was widely appreciated as many widows are unable to attend the service in person. “It’s important, so the ladies that want to come, can join in. We had so many ladies join because it suits them well and everyone can sit and relax. It should continue.”

Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Harbour gathering brought together another 20 widows from Clarence, Macksville and Coffs Harbour at the C.ex Coffs.

Widows described the experience as both lovely and moving, with clear visibility of the service allowing participants to feel closely connected to proceedings in Sydney. As one widow shared, “it’s good to have this. People can’t go to Sydney, it’s good to be able to watch the service with everyone.” This gathering allowed widows from various locations to gather, which they don’t often get the opportunity to do, reinforcing the importance and significance of the livestream.

Several widows brought the crosses they received in their last Guild Digest, enabling them to lay their crosses in the Field miles away from Sydney. “We were glad to be part of it,” reflected a local widow.

Over the last five years, the livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has grown and is proving to be an important way for war widows to take part in remembrance, regardless of age, location, or mobility. We encourage widows to join again next year, whether in person or virtually, and social club coordinators to reach out to our team to organise a gathering in their area, as we continue this yearly tradition.

If you have not been able to see the service on the day, the recording is available to see online below.

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ANZAC Field of Remembrance: how families remember ahead of ANZAC Day

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:48:16 +0000

Each year in the lead-up to ANZAC Day, families across Australia take a moment to remember in their own way.

For many, that moment is the ANZAC Field of Remembrance.

What is the ANZAC Field of Remembrance?

The ANZAC Field of Remembrance began in 1952. It was created by war widows who wanted a place to lay their own tributes ahead of ANZAC Day.

It remains a deeply personal act of remembrance.

Each tribute carries a name — and behind that name is a person who was loved, and a family who continues to carry their memory.

This is one of the few moments in the commemorations calendar where families are not watching from the side-lines. They are at the centre of a service.

Why remembrance in ANZAC Month matters

ANZAC Day holds national meaning. But the days leading to it matter too. For widows and veteran families, remembrance is personal, it isn’t just a public commemoration.

The ANZAC Field of Remembrance creates space to pause ahead of ANZAC Day. It allows families to remember in their own time, in their own way, alongside others who understand.

It is a moment to reflect on service, loss, and the ongoing impact that service has on families.

Three ways to take part

This ANZAC Month, there are three ways to take part in the ANZAC Field of Remembrance.

Lay a tribute in the Virtual Field of Remembrance: You can add a name, a message, and a symbol. Each tribute becomes part of a permanent Field that remains open year-round.

Attend the Sydney service or watch the livestream: The service will be held on 23 April at St Andrew’s Cathedral. Families can attend in person or take part from home.

Join a regional gathering: Across regional NSW, families come together to watch the service and lay tributes locally. Registrations are essential, call us on (02) 9267 6577 or email warwidows@fov.org.au.

Each option offers a way to remember and be part of something shared.

A place to return to

The Virtual Field of Remembrance extends this tradition.

It creates a place where tributes remain visible over time. Families can return on anniversaries, birthdays, ANZAC Day, or any day that matters.

It is a simple way to ensure a name is seen, remembered, and carried forward.

Who will you remember?

This ANZAC Month, take a moment to lay a tribute, attend a service or join a gathering.

Because every name represents a life that is still remembered and carried by someone.

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ANZAC Field of Remembrance social clubs gatherings

Kelly Taylor — Thu, 22 May 2025 01:31:47 +0000

War widows and their families gathered across NSW to honour loved ones through local ANZAC Field of Remembrance services. Each gathering offered a moment to pause, lay a cross, and remember someone who served, together, and in their own way. While the central service was held at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, it reached well beyond the city.

Through livestreams and local gatherings, members across the state came together in their own communities. From Coffs Harbour to Albury, from Nowra to Laurieton, each gathering reflected the same purpose: to ensure that remembrance remains accessible, meaningful, and personal—no matter where war widows and veteran families live.

Laurieton ANZAC Field of Remembrance regional gathering

In Laurieton, at least 20 Guild members and guests gathered at the United Services Club to take part in the livestream of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance. Attendees included Port Macquarie war widows, local Legacy President, and torch bearers. The club staff provided a welcoming space with morning tea, and members were given a box, sand, and rosemary to lay their custom crosses, creating a local tribute that was displayed at the club until ANZAC Day.

The gathering was particularly meaningful for a 100-year-old war widow who appreciated still being able to watch the service despite not being able to travel. Many attendees noted that being able to take part in the cross-laying ceremony made them feel included, even from a distance. As one member put it, “It was special to still be part of the service and not be forgotten.”

The Legacy attendees also shared how moving the service was, even through the livestream. Several members expressed interest in attending again next year and bringing more people from the community. Some chose to lay their crosses on the day, while others planned to do so at the town’s ANZAC Day service. A number of attendees also took programs to share with family members outside the region, extending the reach of the occasion.

This gathering in Laurieton reflects our commitment to ensuring that remembrance is not limited by location. Whether in city centres or regional towns, we want to help members continue to find meaningful ways to come together, honour service, and carry forward the memory of those they’ve lost.

Gathering for the ANZAC Field of Remembrance in Albury

In Albury, Guild members gathered at Legacy House for morning tea and to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance service via livestream. Thirteen people attended this year, with some travelling from Wodonga to join the group. The gathering still provided an opportunity to come together and reflect.

The Albury group appreciated being able to take part. As one attendee noted, “We did appreciate having that livestream because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t have got any at all.” The morning was simple and focused—sharing tea, conversation, and the service. Attendees valued the chance to be part of the broader remembrance, even from a distance. We are grateful for the ongoing support and assistance of the local Legacy Club who has facilitated this live stream for the last two years.

Gathering at the RSL Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub in Nowra

In Nowra, six war widows gathered at the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family Hub to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance service together. Held in the Purple Poppy Room, the morning included tea, scones and cake.

The livestream created a chance to pause and reflect in the company of others. The women appreciated being able to recognise the day together, and the hub valued the opportunity to support those in the local veteran community through shared remembrance. Thank you to RSL LifeCare for the support with this gathering.

Gathering in Coffs Harbour for war widows in the region

Guild members gathered at C.ex Coffs to take part in this year’s ANZAC Field of Remembrance livestream. Around 20 war widows attended, most travelling from towns across the region including Grafton, Macksville and Nambucca.

The livestream ran smoothly, and the group appreciated being able to take part without needing to travel to Sydney. As one member put it, it was a “wonderful day” and “a good service.” The gathering offered a way for members from across the mid-north coast to come together locally and take part in remembrance in a setting that was both accessible and familiar.

Goulburn ANZAC Field of Remembrance gathering

In Goulburn, members gathered at the Goulburn Soldiers Club for morning tea and to watch the ANZAC Field of Remembrance livestream together for the first time. Eight war widows attended. In a meaningful mark of support, the café had prepared fresh ANZAC biscuits for the week, adding a fitting touch to the occasion.

For many, the service brought back memories of attending in person. As one member shared, “It’s wonderful to view the service rather than just being told about it.” While age and distance now make travel to Sydney difficult, being able to watch the service together in a group of those who just get it meant a great deal.

The group appreciated the opportunity to be included, with one attendee travelling in from Yass to join. After the service, a few stayed on for lunch and spoke about plans for future gatherings. This local event marked the first time the livestream was shared in Goulburn—something members hope will continue. It provided a practical, respectful way to stay connected to the ANZAC Field of Remembrance and to each other.

The livestreaming of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance has proven to be an inclusive way for war widows and veteran families across NSW to take part in remembrance, regardless of age, location, or mobility. We encourage members to join again next year, whether in person or virtually as we continue this yearly tradition. Watch this year’s service here.

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73rd ANZAC Field of Remembrance

Kelly Taylor — Fri, 09 May 2025 00:53:07 +0000

Honouring defence service & sacrifice at our 73rd ANZAC Field of Remembrance

In the quiet moments before ANZAC Day, a gathering takes place that gives families, especially war widows, chance to remember in their own way. The ANZAC Field of Remembrance is not just a ceremony—it’s a space where people can pause and lay a tribute for someone they loved. It offers a moment to honour lives lived, and service given, in a way that is both shared and personal.

Held on 23 April 2025, the ANZAC Field of Remembrance returned to the grounds of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney. Now in its 73rd year, the Field of Remembrance continues to give families the opportunity to mark the legacy of service in a way that speaks directly to their experience. The service at St Andrew’s Cathedral was livestreamed for members and supporters across the country. It included the laying of wooden crosses, hymns, readings and a minute’s silence.

A place for war widows and veteran families to reflect

Those in attendance included members of the Families of Veterans Guild, Defence representatives, clergy and community figures. Together, they stood with widows and families who live with the loss of someone who served. The Field of Remembrance began in 1952, when Mrs C.J. Pope, widow of Rear-Admiral C.J. Pope RAN, organised the first service with the support of War Widows NSW. It was inspired by a similar tradition she saw in London. Since then, the Field has been held in Sydney every year, offering a way to mark service and sacrifice through a simple, quiet act.

That act remains powerful. Each cross laid in the Field represents someone remembered: a life, a story, and the people who carry that memory.

Regional and virtual participation: keeping remembrance accessible

In addition to the service in Sydney, ANZAC Field of Remembrance gatherings were also held in regional communities across New South Wales. Guild members gathered in towns including Coffs Harbour, Albury, Goulburn, Laurieton and Nowra, each creating their own local Field to reflect together and honour their loved ones. These gatherings continue to be an important part of our broader purpose: ensuring that commemoration is accessible and meaningful no matter where war widows and veteran families live.

To ensure members of our community from around the country can be involved, the Guild continues to offer ways for people to participate no matter where they live. This year, war widows and families could request a wooden cross to be laid with their tribute on their behalf at the Field in Sydney or take part in the Virtual Field of Remembrance by placing a tribute online. The livestream remains a key way to connect those who cannot be there in person.

The Field was again displayed at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, creating a visible space of reflection and respect for the all community.

The link between the Field of Remembrance and ANZAC Day is significant. While ANZAC Day is about national remembrance, the Field provides a moment for personal tribute. For many widows and families, it is a time to reflect, speak a name, and remember someone they knew and loved. It reminds us that behind every name on a memorial is a family who continues to remember.

As our President said at this year’s service, “We gather here not only to remember, but to continue. To continue honouring, to continue telling their stories, and to continue supporting each other.”

This is what the Field of Remembrance offers: a way to mark remembrance that is personal, honest, and shared. To everyone who took part— whether in Sydney, online, or quietly at home—thank you for remembering and for standing with families who continue to carry these stories.

View this year’s tribute video and lay your tribute in our virtual field.

[See image gallery at familiesofveterans.org.au]

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ANZAC Field of Remembrance 2023

AWWNSW — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:45:05 +0000

The 2023 ANZAC Field of Remembrance has come to a close and we reflect on the touching display of honour and remembrance for our fallen heroes.

Our AWWNSW CEO Renee Wilson summed it up perfectly: \”It was the usual high standard. It was moving. It was thought-provoking. It was special. It was about the families of our veterans – thank you to my incredible team, many of whom are the families of veterans themselves, for continuing to deliver for our widows and veteran families.\”

We are grateful for the dedication of those who made this event possible, and for the sacrifices of our servicemen and women that will never be forgotten.

Watch the 2023 ANZAC Field of Remembrance service at the AWWNSW YouTube channel here.

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