War Widows Day:
Honouring the stories of love and sacrifice

A DAY OF RECOGNITION · 19 OCTOBER, EVERY YEAR

War Widows Day

A day to honour the women who carried the lifelong cost of defence service — and to make sure their stories are heard.

This year we will continue to mark War Widows Day on 19 October, however our Sydney Service will be exceptionally held on 26 October at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney.

WHY WE MARK THIS DAY

Honour their strength this War Widows Day

War Widows Day recognises the women who have carried the lifelong impact of losing a partner through defence service. It is a day to honour their strength, acknowledge their sacrifice, and make sure their stories are heard.

For more than 100 years, war widows have raised families, held communities together, and rebuilt their lives after service — most of it unseen, and almost none of it formally recognised. War Widows Day brings that history into public view and gives every Australian a way to stand with them.

COMING UP

The 2026 Service

Veteran families, including war widows, are warmly invited to join us at the Cenotaph to mark and commemorate War Widows Day.

Ceremony

Monday 26 October 2026, 10.30 am

The Cenotaph, Martin Place, Sydney

Lunch

For members and invited guests only – hosted by the NSW Government at NSW Parliament House. Transport is provided from the Cenotaph after the service, or you are welcome to join us for the ten-minute walk.

RSVP BY FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER

Let us know you're coming

Email or call our office to register. If you are attending the lunch, please let us know your dietary requirement and if you will be needing transport from the Cenotaph to Parliament House.

WATCH

Stories of love and sacrifice

MESSAGE · 2 MIN

A message from the Governor-General

Her Excellency reflects on the service of Australia’s war widows and what this day means to all of us.

TRIBUTE FILM · 5 MIN

Honouring the stories of our war widows

War widows and our board Chair share the story of our organisation, the life they built, the partner they lost and the community they have found.

GET INVOLVED

War Widows Honour Roll

We invite you to share the story of a war widow who has touched your life. Whether it’s a short reflection, a treasured memory, or a few lines about their life and impact, every story contributes to preserving their legacy.

Stories were shared on our website in the lead-up to War Widows Day, forming part of a collective tribute from families, friends, and the wider defence community.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Stand with our war widows and widowers

More than 40,000 war widows and widowers are living in Australia today. Your support funds the social work, the phone calls and the advocacy that mean none of them face it alone.

Make a donation

Your gift funds professional social work, wellbeing calls and community connection for war widows and veteran families.

War Widows Day pin

The lapel pin is a limited-edition symbol of remembrance and solidarity. Wearing it honours the enduring strength of every war widow and widower.

Our 2026 edition of the War Widows Day pin will be coming soon.

Community events

With more than 50% of war widows on our register living regionally, we know how important it is to ensure the day is marked in local communities. We invite every Families of Veterans Guild member, as well as Legacy and RSL clubs and branches across the state, to gather on this day and hold a morning tea.

Hosting an event in your community is a wonderful way to honour our war widows and widowers on the day – showing our support and appreciation for their tireless work.

If you’re organising an event in your local community, we’d love to hear what you are planning. We’re also very happy to share images and communication material to help you promote your activity.