THE STATR OF A TRADITION:
In November 1928, a group of disabled veterans brought a tray of poppies to thegrounds of St Margaret’s Church at Westminster Abbey and planted them around a single cross. It was a modest display, but it caught the public’s attention and began a tradition that has grown over the decades and is now a national event in the UK.
FROM LONDON TO SYDNEY:
In 1952, Mrs CJ Pope, widow of Rear-Admiral CJ Pope, RAN, assisted by War Widows NSW, organised the first Field of Remembrance in the grounds of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney. She had seen a similar ceremony held in the old Churchyard of St Margaret’s in London, alongside Westminster Abbey. Now known as the ANZAC Field of Remembrance, the Sydney event has been held during the week of ANZAC Day every year since 1972.
QUEENSLAND’S WHITE CROSS DAY:
In Queensland, some of our sub-branches and social groups organise a White Cross Day, where members can come together to pause and commemorate the service of their loved ones by planting a white cross.
A NEW CHAPTER IN BRISBANE:
For the first time, AWWQ will host a Field of Remembrance for War Widows Day in Brisbane next year. This special memorial service will be held at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane on 20 October 2025, giving our widows the opportunity to commemorate their loved one’s service and sacrifice personally.
SAVE THE DATE:
Australian War Widows Queensland will, for the first time, host a Field of Remembrance for War Widows’ Day in Brisbane, giving our widows the opportunity to commemorate their loved one’s service and sacrifice. Details for the veent are as follows: Monday 20 October 2025, St John’s Catedral, 373 Ann Street, Brisbane at 10:00am