War Widows Day recognised in WA
A message from Australian War Widows WA Inc.
On Monday 24 April 2023, former Premier Mark McGowan, announced that October 19 would be recognised as War Widows Day in Western Australia. Plans are being made for an official reception on War Widows Day, where it is hoped as many war widows and widowers as possible will attend this memorable occasion.
War Widows Day officially recognises and acknowledges the sacrifice of war widows from all conflicts whose husbands and loved ones gave their lives for our country. It finally affords war widows the gratitude and respect they deserve.
War Widows Day should prompt all Western Australians to reflect on the grief and loss felt by thousands of women over the last 100 years or so. Hopefully it will remind them that the freedom and liberty we enjoy in Australia today is due to the ultimate sacrifice made by the husbands and loved ones of war widows and their families.
Western Australia now joins Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia in having an official War Widows Day in their state. Australian War Widows is looking forward to having a National War Widows Day announced prior to 19 October, the birth date of its founder Mrs Jessie Vasey OBE CBE.
There have been many dynamic and dedicated women over the past 76 years who have shaped Australian War Widows WA Inc. into what it is today. Members are extremely proud of their husbands’ service and extremely proud to be an Australian War Widow.
Australian War Widows WA provides information and support for war widows from all theatres of conflict. Should you, or anyone you know, need assistance or support please contact our office on 08 9371 7470 or email us at warwidowswa [at] bigpond.com (warwidowswa[at]bigpond[dot]com).
Below L to R: Mrs Kay Hair; Ms Emily Cook; Paul Papalia, Minister for Veterans Issues; Mark McGowan, former Premier; Mrs Hazel Donald; Mrs Sue Wilson; Mrs Jan McLeod
