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, Nowra and Yass, and 20 others watching from homes across the country. No matter where we were, we were united in the same act of remembrance. 

A service led with meaning

The service was led by Master of Ceremonies, Sarah Loft, who opened proceedings with a warm welcome. Sarah herself understands loss intimately, as her partner, Corporal Alexander Naggs, was among those who perished in a tragic helicopter accident during Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2023. Her presence at the lectern was a reminder of the daily danger faced by the members of our Defence Force and why the ANZAC Field of Remembrance matters so deeply to war widows and veteran families.  

The Very Reverend Sandy Grant, Dean of Sydney, opened proceedings with a welcome and The Lord’s Prayer. Our President, Queen Dunbar, then delivered her welcome address, sharing her reflection about the meaning of the ANZAC Field of Remembrance. Our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW delivered a Bible reading before the Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel, Archbishop of Sydney, delivered an inspirational address on service, sacrifice and the strength of war widows and veteran families. 

The laying of tributes

The service moved through hymns and prayer before arriving at the heart of the ceremony — the laying of tributes. Our Board Chair, Tricia Hobson, laid a wreath on behalf of all war widows and veteran families alongside Mrs Clare Gibson, Assistant Minister, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Cathedral Community. Her Excellency and Mr Wilson were among the first to lay a cross, placing it in recognition of unknown Australian service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, followed by government representatives, members of the Australian Defence Force, Consul Generals from New Zealand, the United States, Great Britain and France, as well as representatives from the DVA, RSL NSW, Legacy and Soldier On. 

War widows stepped forward to lay crosses for each conflict — from the First and Second World Wars through to Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, peacekeeping operations, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan. Each was accompanied by a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a veteran, who placed a sprig of wattle alongside the cross — a moment that reminded us of the memories and resilience carried across generations.  

Personal tributes from war widows

Then came the moments that carry the most meaning: all war widows in attendance stepped forward and laid their own personal tribute to their veteran. The crosses themselves, crafted with care by the St Vincent’s de Paul Society Men’s Shed Haberfield, were adorned with personal messages, rosemary, drawings, and private words dedicated to the ones they loved. 

Then the Field grew further still, as families and members of the congregation were invited to come forward and lay their own tribute in the Field in remembrance of a veteran they love. 

The Ode of Remembrance was recited by Pamela Goddhart-Dodd, followed by the Last Post, a minute of silence, The Rouse, and both the New Zealand and Australian national anthems. The service closed with a deeply moving reading of the poem The Silent Ranks, delivered by Sue Doolin and her grandson, Angus — a tribute to all those who stand beside and behind our veterans, in service and in loss. 

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 sacrifices were in view, for all to acknowledge and understand a little deeper, during ANZAC Day and beyond.  

Watch the service

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. Click here to watch the service.

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. 

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This year held particular significance. With the recent expansion of our services into South Australia (SA), we were proud to ensure that war widows and families in SA were formally represented alongside those in NSW at ANZAC commemorations. Across fifteen services and two states, our members stood proudly at cenotaphs, gardens of remembrance, school halls and memorial parks. 

Services in the lead-up to ANZAC Day

Our commemorations began on Sunday 19 April at the Five Dock RSL United ANZAC Service, where State President Queen Dunbar and Sue Doolin laid a wreath together. The service was moving and well attended, with local school children participating. Sue’s family — including her son, a Timor veteran, his wife, daughter and grandchildren — stood alongside her as they do each year. 

On Wednesday 22 April, Maureen Moore represented the Guild at the RSL LifeCare ANZAC Wednesday Veteran March and Commemorative Service at the RSL ANZAC Village in Narrabeen, where Brigadier Vincent Williams CSC (Retd.), Acting President of RSL NSW, delivered the ANZAC Address. As both a resident of the Village and a Guild member, Maureen’s presence carried special meaning. 

Friday 24 April brought two further services. At the Australian Remembrance Foundation’s ANZAC Tribute at the Sydney Opera House — broadcast live on 7Two and attended by more than 4,000 people — Navy widow Jenny Ware represented our community. The Guild also secured free tickets for the event and shared them with members through our newsletter and social media. That same morning, Pamela Goodhard-Dodd laid a wreath at the Pittwater House School ANZAC Day Service. 

ANZAC Day across two states

ANZAC Day itself, Saturday 25 April, was our largest day of representation. At the NSW ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, State President Queen Dunbar laid the wreath on behalf of war widows and families of veterans, accompanied by Board Chair Tricia Hobson. Across Sydney and well beyond, our representatives stood at services as the sun rose. Michelle Carr was at Chatswood, joined by her children Mason and Monique. Adele Richards represented us at Medowie; Margaret Navas at Bigge Park, Liverpool; Nola Hill at North Ryde; Dell Barrett at Woy Woy Memorial Park; and Merle Kelly, a long-standing local attendee, at Wodonga’s Woodland Grove Cenotaph. Michelle Carr returned later that morning to lay a wreath at the Willoughby Family and Community Commemorative Service. 

In South Australia, Member Maria Barclay represented the Guild at two services on ANZAC Day — the RSL SA Dawn Service at the SA National War Memorial in Adelaide, and the RSL SA Service of Remembrance at the Cross of Sacrifice, Pennington Gardens, where it has long been a custom for War Widows SA and Legacy SA to each present a tribute. Maria’s presence at these significant ceremonies marked an important moment: war widows and families in South Australia now have a continuing representation at their state’s most solemn occasions. 

Our final commemoration of the week took place on Tuesday 28 April, when Michelle Carr laid a wreath at the Ravenswood School for Girls ANZAC Day Commemorative Service in Gordon. 

To every representative who carried our message — laying the wreath on behalf of war widows and the families of veterans — thank you. You honoured Mrs Vasey’s legacy and work for widows sacrifices are acknowledged at commemorations. To our members in NSW, ACT, TAS and now in South Australia: we are deeply grateful for the privilege of standing for you, and we will continue to do so, year after year. 

Lest we forget. 

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The post ANZAC Field of Remembrance: how families remember ahead of ANZAC Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

ANZAC Day is a time to remember the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women — and the sacrifices made by their families. For war widows and veteran families, being represented at commemorations is a recognition that was hard fought for and remains deeply significant. This year, Families of Veterans Guild representatives attended services across Sydney, regional New South Wales and Victoria, ensuring that our community was seen, acknowledged and honoured at commemorations across the state.

War widows and veteran families represented at ANZAC Day services 

On 11 April, Pamela Goodhart-Dodd, Northern Beaches War Widows Social Club Coordinator, represented the Guild at the Pittwater House School ANZAC Service at Collaroy, where students, staff and community members gathered to reflect on the meaning of service.

On 13 April, President Queen Dunbar and Member Sue Doolin attended the Five Dock RSL ANZAC Day Service and Luncheon at Five Dock Park and Club Five Dock. Community members came together to honour our veterans, followed by a gathering to continue the tradition of remembrance.

On 22 April, President Queen Dunbar and CEO Renee Wilson attended the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway Service. Renee spoke at the event, highlighting the contribution of veterans and the importance of recognising the families who support them. Wreaths were laid in honour of all who have served.

On 23 April, Pamela Goodhart-Dodd participated in the RSL LifeCare Commemorative Service at Narrabeen, laying a wreath at the Montgomery Memorial Wall alongside veterans, families and residents.

On ANZAC Day itself, Guild representatives attended services across New South Wales and beyond, Board Chair Tricia Hobson and President Queen Dunbar attended the RSL NSW Dawn Service at the Martin Place Cenotaph, where the community gathered despite early rain.

Michelle Carr and her children represented the Guild at the Chatswood RSL Dawn Service, while Adele Richards attended the Medowie RSL Dawn Service, honouring local veterans and families through a wreath-laying tribute. Adele has proudly represented the organisation at previous Medowie Dawn and Remembrance Day Services, and hopes to continue doing so.

At North Ryde, Nola Hill took part in the RSL Memorial Garden service and community march. Kay Meredith and Judy Cole attended the Mounties ANZAC Day Service, while Merle Kelly represented the Guild at the Wodonga RSL Service, joining large regional turnouts across Victoria.

On the eve of ANZAC Day, President Queen Dunbar and Member Wendy McKean attended the Lest We Forget Harbour Sunset Tribute at the Sydney Opera House. Broadcast nationally, the ceremony brought together veterans, families and the wider community to mark the “going down of the sun” with stories, tributes and music.

The presence of Families of Veterans Guild representatives at these services is a reminder that the place of war widows and veteran families at commemorations was hard fought for. It continues to be important that we are visible and recognised. The ongoing support of the community, veterans and families ensures that the sacrifices of all those who served — and those who stood beside them — are not forgotten.

Thank you to all members who represented war widows and veteran families this ANZAC Day. The gravity of ANZAC Day is not only seen in formal tributes but felt deeply in the quieter, more personal moments: a veteran’s tears, a widow’s steadying hand, generations laying flowers for someone they never met. These are the moments that remind us that the freedoms we enjoy came at a cost.

As our CEO reflected, ANZAC Day is not only a time of remembrance, but of deep personal reckoning; of what is, and what could have been. It is a powerful reminder that Australia’s peace is protected by sacrifice.

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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.

The post 73rd ANZAC Field of Remembrance first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

On 25 April, for ANZAC Day, representatives from the Families of Veterans Guild joined thousands in the Sydney CBD for the ANZAC Day March, walking behind a joint banner that brought together war widows and veteran families. This marked a significant moment of unity and visibility for our community.

The March, organised by RSL NSW, commenced at 9:00 am along Elizabeth Street, following the Dawn Service at Martin Place. Despite early morning rain, more than 7,000 people gathered to honour those who served and their families.

For many war widows, participating in the March is a reminder of the long journey toward recognition. Decades ago, women like Jessie Vasey fought for the right to be seen and heard in commemorations that often overlooked their sacrifices. This year, walking side by side with younger generations of veteran families, our members continued that legacy.

The joint banner symbolised not only remembrance but also the evolving identity of our organisation. Since adopting the brand name ‘Families of Veterans Guild’ last year, we’ve aimed to reflect the broader community we serve while honouring our roots. While change can be challenging, the presence of both longstanding and new members in the March demonstrated a shared commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of war widows and veteran families are acknowledged.

Participation in the ANZAC Day March reinforces our place in the national story of service and sacrifice. It reminds us that remembrance is not only about the past but also about the ongoing support and recognition of those who continue to bear the burden of service.

View the live recap of the entire ANZAC March and view the Families of Veterans Guild marching at 3:27:00!

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