On Remembrance Day, Australians pause at 11 am to remember those who served and died. For war widows and veteran families, remembering also means telling the stories of what service meant at home. This year, sharing those stories was at the centre of how we marked Remembrance Day.

It was also a year of reflection for our community, as this year we mark 80 years since war widows in NSW first came together and created the Guild.

Hearing from families at our first Remembrance Lunch

On 10 November, the day before Remembrance Day, we held our first Remembrance Lunch at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) in Canberra. Supporters from the business, government, defence, and veteran sectors had the opportunity to meet war widows and veteran families.

The lunch gave our guests the chance to hear about service and loss directly from the families who live with it. In a short film, a widow, a mother, and the spouse of a veteran spoke about what service has meant for their families. Shirley McLaren OAM, a 94-year-old war widow and veteran, led us in the Ode of Remembrance.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM, gave the keynote address. Lieutenant General Coyle served on our Board from 2021 to 2024.

Our Board Chair, Tricia Hobson, made a commitment to war widows and veteran families. Eighty years ago, war widows came together because those left behind by conflict wanted to be represented and heard. Building on those foundations, the Guild officially announced it is now taking on a national advocacy role.

That role means protecting and advancing the entitlements, recognition, and legacy of Australia’s war widows. It also means making sure veteran families are recognised and supported in their own right, and not only as an extension of their veteran.

Our thanks to Centuria for supporting the lunch and to the Australian War Memorial for welcoming us.

Wreaths at the Australian War Memorial

After the lunch, Meg Green AM and Rhondda Vanzella OAM, both former national and state presidents of our organisation, laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony on behalf of war widows and veteran families.

The next morning, Meg and Rhondda attended the Remembrance Day service at the Australian War Memorial with our CEO and a member of our staff. After the service, they laid a wreath on behalf of our organisation and of war widows and veteran families.

Stories shared at the marble droplets

After the service, two war widows and two mothers of veterans gathered at the marble droplets, which rest in the shade of old trees at the Australian War Memorial. The memorial is dedicated “for every drop shed in anguish.” Its plaque reads: “the droplets represent the blood, sweat and tears shed by those who have served and their loved ones.”

There, they spoke with a group of NSW school teachers. They talked about what the memorial means, about their veterans, and about why the stories of veterans and their families should be shared with school children.

The tears the memorial honours have been carried across generations of veteran families, and they are still being shed today. Remembrance Day gives families a place to share the stories of loved ones who died as a result of their service, and to have those stories heard.

The hands of two war widows and two mothers rested on a marble droplet, carrying the weight of their loss and grief. It is a weight they will never forget. By sharing it with teachers, they helped make sure the next generation will understand it too.

Marking 80 years at dawn in Sydney

In Sydney, red poppies were projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House to mark the start of Remembrance Day. NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris MP hosted a sunrise service, which included the sounding of the Last Post and the Ode of Remembrance.

Our President, Queen Dunbar, was invited to recite the Ode in recognition of the 80th anniversary of the War Widows Guild in NSW. War widows fought long and hard to be represented at commemorations. Having the President of a war widow–led organisation recite the Ode on this day is a significant step for our community.

Our sincere thanks to the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs and David Harris MP for the invitation. Brigadier Vince Williams CSC (Retd), President of RSL NSW, and Dominic Teakle, CEO of Legacy Club Services, also attended the service.

Later that morning, Queen laid a wreath on behalf of war widows and veteran families at the NSW Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Hundreds of people attended, including the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Remembering with local communities across NSW and South Australia

War widows and veteran families from our community also attended local services across NSW and South Australia. Every wreath was laid on behalf of war widows and veteran families.

In Campbelltown, Kay Meredith and Judy Cole attended the RSL Remembrance Day service and laid a wreath.

In Chatswood, Joy Mooney attended the local service with one of our social workers and laid a wreath.

On the Northern Beaches, Northern Beaches Social Club Coordinator Pamela Goodhart-Dodd represented war widows and veteran families at the RSL ANZAC Village service.

On the Central Coast, our Executive Officer, Cherie, attended The Entrance and Long Jetty RSL service.

In South Australia, Maria Barclay, one of our South Australian social club co-coordinators, attended the RSL SA Remembrance Day service. During the service, fellow co-coordinator Diane Carr read a poem about the experiences of a war widow.

Why we keep sharing our stories

Since 1946, war widows have come together to support one another and to make sure the families left behind by service are seen and heard. Sharing stories is how that began, and it is how we continue.

When a war widow speaks about her partner, or a mother speaks about her child who served, the people listening come to understand what service asks of families. That understanding is how recognition grows, in classrooms, in commemorations, and in the decisions made about veteran families.

Thank you to everyone who shared a story, listened, or laid a wreath with us this Remembrance Day. If you are part of a veteran family and would like to connect with others who understand, find a social club near you or learn about support from our social workers.

Lest we forget.

The post Remembrance Day 2026: war widows and veteran families share their stories first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

The post An object with a story – Patterns of comfort  first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

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

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

War Widows Day is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and connecting war widows, ensuring they feel honoured and acknowledged, giving us an opportunity to honour their stories, bravery, and sacrifice. 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 now they’re to carry the weight of the sacrifice, often in silence. War Widows Day allows us to break that silence. It gives us a chance to support the potential isolation war widows face after the loss of their partner.

The importance of community 

In the heart of the War Widows community lies a powerful source of emotional and social support. This community is a beacon of hope, helping each other navigate the profound loss and the myriad challenges of life after service. Often facing these struggles alone, War Widows find solace and strength in the shared experiences and unwavering support of their peers. This sense of belonging and mutual understanding is invaluable, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of purpose. 

The role of the Families of Veterans Guild 

The Families of Veterans Guild plays a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of war widows. Through a variety of social events, wellbeing support, and advocacy efforts, the Guild offers a lifeline to those who have lost their loved ones in service. These initiatives not only provide practical assistance but also create opportunities for war widows to connect, share their stories, and build lasting friendships. The Guild’s commitment to supporting War Widows ensures that they are not alone in their journey, offering a network of care and compassion. 

The public’s role in supporting War Widows 

The public has a crucial role to play in supporting war widows. There are numerous practical ways to contribute, from making donations to participating in initiatives like “Buy a Widow a Coffee.” These acts of kindness and generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with much-needed support and recognition. By coming together as a community, we can help war widows feel valued and appreciated, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. 

Human connection as a healing force 

Human connection is a powerful healing force. For war widows, the simple act of connecting with each other and their community can foster healing and hope. These connections provide a sense of belonging and understanding, helping war widows navigate their grief and find a path forward. By building strong, supportive relationships, war widows can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that they are not alone. This human connection is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the war widows community, offering a beacon of hope in the face of adversity. 

By highlighting the importance of community, the role of the Families of Veterans Guild, the public’s role in supporting war widows, and the healing power of human connection, we can inspire others to join in this vital cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of war widows, providing them with the support and recognition they so richly deserve. 

By supporting our “Buy a Widow a Coffee” initiative, you can help provide more than just a cup of coffee. Your donation offers companionship, community, and a reminder that war widows are not forgotten. Every dollar goes directly towards creating connections and easing loneliness. 

Your generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of these women, offering them a sense of belonging and support. Together, we can ensure that they feel valued and remembered. Please consider donating today and be a part of this meaningful cause. Thank you for your support. 

The post Showing your support this War Widows Day first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.