We are all part of the story

Tune into the Field of Remembrance service from wherever you are. Simply visit the Australian War Widows NSW Facebook page, YouTube channel or webpage at 10:30am. 

If you are unable to make the live viewing at 10:30am, the video will remain available on our pages even after the service has finished, so you can watch it at a time that suits you or share it with family or friends! 

A lasting tradition – About the Field of Remembrance

The ANZAC Field of Remembrance began in 1952 when Mrs C J Pope, widow of Rear-Admiral C J Pope, RAN, assisted by the War Widows’ Guild, organised the first Field in the grounds of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Mrs Pope conceived the idea of establishing a Field of Remembrance in Sydney after seeing a similar ceremony held in the old churchyard of St Margaret’s in London, alongside Westminster Abbey.

The ANZAC Field of Remembrance is a story of tradition and legacy. It is a story of sadness, but also a story of great love. It is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who are no longer with us. However, it’s also an opportunity to recognise and honour our loss, and the sacrifices made by the widows of war.

“This is our story, a story of love for our husbands, our love for brothers and sisters, love for our families and love for our country.” 

Rhondda Vanzella OAM, National and State President, Australian War Widows

For the last 69 years, we have come together to commemorate the service of our loved ones through the Field of Remembrance. The only time the Field of Remembrance has not occurred was in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, due to the ongoing risks posed by COVID-19, Australian War Widows NSW will host the Field of Remembrance service differently.

This year we are very privileged to combine our Field of Remembrance ceremony with the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway’s ANZAC service. Being outdoors, we can adapt and hold our ceremony in line with public health guidelines and share our stories with a much larger audience.

During the service, we will recognise the sacrifices made by widows, women and families connected to Defence service. This special commemoration is ours and recognises our loss and our sacrifices as war widows. It enables us to live our lives and support our families without our husbands and partners and reminds us that our loved ones still walk beside us today.

Let’s join together to commemorate the men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.