Through November, and on Remembrance Day itself, communities gathered at services and ceremonies to reflect, lay wreaths, and wear their poppies to remember the service and sacrifice of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. 

The Guild was represented at commemorations across New South Wales, with tributes laid on behalf of war widows, defence and veteran families, ensuring that families had the opportunity to contribute in remembering their loved ones. Below is an overview of some of the events where members, staff and Board Directors paid tribute. 

War widows and veteran families represented at Remembrance Day services 

On 9 November, President Queen Dunbar attended the NAJEX Remembrance Day Commemoration at the Sydney Jewish Museum, hosted by the NSW Association of Jewish Service & Ex-Service Men & Women. It was a moving ceremony shared with parliamentary colleagues, local Mayors and Councillors, ADF personnel, faith leaders and members of the Jewish community. Queen laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families and delivered an address sharing her personal experience as a war widow and the work of our organisation in supporting war widows and veteran families. 

Also on 9 November, member Dianne Vogt represented the Guild at the St Andrew’s Cathedral Remembrance Sunday Service, commemorating 107 years since the signing of Armistice. The service included a procession of flags and the laying of wreaths, with Di laying a wreath during the ceremony. The cathedral service included hymns and prayers from their choir, providing a reflective environment. 

Our CEO Renee Wilson was honoured to attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, as the only representative/organisation laying a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families in NSW. The service took place in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the Governor-General of Australia, the Governor of New South Wales, and senior members of the veteran and defence community. Renee had the opportunity to meet Princess Anne at the ceremonial parade for the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Centenary which followed the Sunday service. 

On 11 November, Remembrance Day, CEO Renee Wilson attended the Government of NSW Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. This official service brought together government representatives, veterans, and community members to pause and reflect at 11:00am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Renee laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families. RSL NSW once described this commemoration as a moment to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the armed forces. 

At Chatswood, Board Director Michelle Carr represented the Guild at the Chatswood RSL Remembrance Day Commemorative Service in the Garden of Remembrance on Albert Avenue, hosted by the Chatswood-Willoughby ANZAC Dawn Service & Commemoration Committee. Michelle laid a wreath during the ceremony, ensuring the presence of war widows and families was acknowledged. 

At the Mounties Remembrance Day Service in Mount Pritchard, Members Judy Cole and Veronica Ven der Padt from the Macarthur Region attended on behalf of the Guild. Both members were supportive in attending the service even with late notice, and Judy laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and families of veterans. 

Many members in the area gathered to honour those who served at The Entrance & Long Jetty RSL Remembrance Day Service, with member Joyce Mason laying a wreath on behalf of war widows. 

Member Merle Kelly attended the Wodonga RSL Remembrance Day Service at Woodland Grove, laying a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families. During the service, members of the public were also invited to lay a wreath in remembrance. 

Thank you to all members who represented war widows and veteran families this Remembrance Day. View photo’s of the commemorations held on this year’s Remembrance Day below. 

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We had representatives from our organisation representing war widows and veterans families at events across NSW, here is an overview of some of those events.

The Cenotaph, Sydney

This Monday, 11 November 2024, held a solemn Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney, where invited guests gathered to honour the sacrifices of Australia’s servicemen and women. The ceremony began at 10:30 with selected attendees laying wreaths in tribute. Our President, Queen Dunbar laid a wreath upon the Cenotaph during the commemoration alongside RSL NSW President and Sydney Legacy President. Distinguished guests included military officials and veterans, who shared moving speeches about the significance of Remembrance Day. According to the RSL NSW, this annual event is a pivotal moment to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the armed forces.

Chatswood Remembrance Day service

Chatswood-Willoughby ANZAC Dawn Service & Commemoration Committee held a heartfelt Remembrance Day Service in the Garden of Remembrance on Albert Avenue, Chatswood. During the wreath laying, one of our members Michelle Carr laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and families of veterans. This service was supported by local schools and community groups, who participated in readings and musical tributes, enhancing the communal spirit and remembrance. Community involvement in such services is crucial for keeping the memories and stories of veterans alive.

Medowie Remembrance Day service

Medowie RSL sub-Branch hosted a Remembrance Day Commemoration at Medowie Social on Ferodale Road, where members of the community gathered to pay tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women. The ceremony featured wreath laying to honour the sacrifices of those who served. One of our members Adele Richards, attended on behalf of the organisation, paying tribute on behalf of war widows and families of veterans. RSL NSW highlighted the importance of such sub-Branch events in fostering local support networks for veterans and their families.

St Andrews Cathedral, Sydney

On Sunday the 10th, St Andrews Cathedral in Sydney hosted a special service to commemorate the 106th anniversary of Armistice. With this commemoration, there was also a lovely wreath laying ceremony during which Board Director Yvonne Stapleton laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families. This service, according to RSL NSW, is part of a broader effort to ensure that urban and rural communities alike have the opportunity to participate in acts of remembrance. The cathedral service included traditional hymns and prayers, providing a solemn and reflective environment.

Mounties Remembrance Day service

The Mounties Group Board of Directors held a Remembrance Day event on Monday, “the significant occasion will honour the courageous individuals who have served our nation”. Guests were encouraged to bring a wreath to lay, and our two members Dulcie Davis and Diane Carstairs attended on behalf of the Families of Veterans Guild. The event, as noted by RSL NSW, underscores how organisations beyond the RSL play a vital role in honouring veterans and supporting their families.

The Entrance & Long Jetty Remembrance Day service

Many of our members attended the Remembrance Day service at The Entrance & Long Jetty included member Joyce Mason who laid a wreath on behalf of the war widows of the area. Thanks to The Entrance Long Jetty RSL for hosting this beautiful service for our community to honour our veteran and their families that always support them. 

NSW Association of Jewish Service & Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX)

On Sunday 10 November the NSW Association of Jewish Service & Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX) hosted a Jewish Communal Remembrance Day Commemoration and Wreath Laying at the NSW Jewish War Memorial (Sydney Jewish Museum) on Darlinghurst Road. The event began at 9:30 AM and included a moving occasional address by Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Elton, Chief Minister of The Great Synagogue. Ms. Queen Dunbar, State President of the Families of Veterans Guild, attended on behalf of the organisation and laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families. The ceremony was followed by light refreshments, fostering a moment of community and reflection among the attendees.

The Sydney War Graves Cemetery

A week before Remembrance Day, a beautiful service was held by the RSL Western Metropolitan District at one of the most serene environment within the city, the Sydney War Graves Cemetery within the Rookwood Cemetery boundary. Our President, Queen Dunbar, attended the service along with many dignitaries and laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and families. 

View photo’s of the commemorations held on this years Remembrance Day below.

The post Remembrance Day 2024 first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Together we have worked hard to ensure that war widows and their families are not forgotten, left out or disadvantaged because of their loved one’s death and service. We were able to do this because we are the families of veterans, and because many of us had to become the leader of the family, and leaders in our own right.

It is time to be leaders once again, to step up and close a gap that many of us have experienced most of our lives. Together, we led the way when we decided to provide hope, community and belonging to those who need it most and who need it now, regardless of the status of their veteran. Together we led the way for those who have nowhere else to turn, those who, like you, have lived a life in the shadow of their loved one.

We need to keep on leading because in Australia, support for veterans’ families is conditional on the entitlements of the veteran and they are largely invisible until they are bereaved. Yet, as many of you know firsthand, the families of veterans bare an enormous burden for Australia’s peace and security, alongside their loved one, at any stages of their lives.

That is what our branding project is about. It isn\’t about leaving anyone behind, especially those who have been bereaved by service. Sadly, our current organisation name leaves behind thousands, including other widows. In NSW alone there are 15,000 DVA-recognised widows, but we only know 2,000. That isn\’t good enough. The fact that people have to wait until their loved ones pass away before they feel a sense of belonging, connection and support by the veteran community isn\’t good enough.

We have always been an organisation that has led the way. We have been an organisation that has stood up for those left behind by the veteran system. It\’s time to stand up again.

Have your say HERE.

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