NSW: War Widows hold Anzac Memorial Service

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2001
NSW: War Widows hold Anzac Memorial Service

SYDNEY, April 18 AAP - More than 200 war widows gathered to remember their fallen husbands
in St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney today.

The cathedral was almost filled to capacity as widows of all wars in which Australia
was involved were joined by New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir, New Zealand Consul-General
Priscilla Williams, representatives of the armed services and clergy.

The sermon was led by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend Ray Smith, who spoke
of the honour and valour brought to Australia and all Australians by soldiers at war.

A Dedication of the Field followed the half-hour service, with War Widows' Guild patron,
Professor Bashir, leading the planting of crosses.

Guild chief executive officer Patricia Campbell said the turnout to the service was
particularly pleasing, given the ageing population of the guild.

"The service has been going for 49 years and it's one of the key events in the War
Widows' calendar, to remember their fallen husbands.

"We have an ageing population, our average age of war widows is 78 now, so it's a magnificent
turnout (today).

"Many are second world war widows and it's wonderful to see them all here.

"They come from all over the state for this, the largest service," Ms Campbell said.

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KEYWORD: ANZAC WIDOWS

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