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The Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley, and more than 150 Australian Defence Force, government representatives, and guests are expected to attend the annual Anzac Field of Remembrance commemoration on 20 April.
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The event, hosted by non-profit Australian War Widows NSW (AWWNSW), brings veteran families together at 10am in St Andrews Cathedral, Sydney, to honour their loved ones who have given their service to the nation.
The 71st year of the Anzac Field of Remembrance offers veteran families including war widows, spouses, children, and grandchildren an opportunity to plant a cross, in memory of those who have served. Crosses for the event have been created by the Haberfield Men’s Shed and distributed to AWWNSW members.
“The Anzac Field of Remembrance recognises the losses and sacrifice of war widows and veteran families, who bear an enormous national burden supporting veterans who have fallen, been wounded, injured or ill,” said AWWNSW president, Queen Dunbar.
“It is through the support and companionship of others around us that we are able to stand tall and strong together and remember our loved ones.”
Outside Sydney, the Field of Remembrance ceremony will also be livestreamed online via the Australian War Widows NSW Facebook page and YouTube channel.
“The Field of Remembrance is a longstanding tradition at Australian War Widows NSW and an important moment of commemoration,” said Renee Wilson, chief executive officer at AWWNSW.
“Ahead of the large public events on Anzac Day, which can be one of the hardest days of the year for many people in our community, it is a moment for veteran families to come together, support each other and honour their loved ones together with those who understand what they’re going through.
“It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the matters impacting veteran families. For example, 2023 marks half a century since Australia exited the Vietnam War, and we still have a veteran support system that isn’t as adaptable as it needs to be. Most notably, veterans families continue to be under supported and acknowledged.
“The impacts of service on the families of our veterans is on display at the Anzac Field of Remembrance, as they play the central role in the service. We must do more as a community to adequately support them in enabling their loved ones to serve and in caring for both the veteran and family when that service is over.
“We must keep connected to those whose loved ones have passed on because their experiences and needs don’t end with their loved ones passing.”
AWWNSW encourages everyone to attend the event, watch the live stream, or commemorate laying a cross at home, at a local cenotaph, or somewhere with special meaning to them and their loved ones.
