The Department of Veterans Affairs has said Western Australia is to join Queensland, South Australia and NSW in formally recognising 19 October as War Widows Day.
This date is the birthday of War Widows’ Guild founder, Jessie Vasey and has become a symbol of the sacrifice that war widows and widowers have endured as a result of their partners’ service.
Known now as Australian War Widows Incorporated, the War Widows’ Guild was first established by Mrs Vasey (pictured) in Victoria and was formed in WA a year later.
Mrs Vasey’s husband, Major General George Vasey, was killed en route to New Guinea during World War II.
State Premier, Mark McGowan said War Widows Day was an opportunity to raise awareness of the work of Australian War Widows WA Inc. in the State and the network of resources and support available to war widows.
Mr McGowan’s comments were echoed by the Minister for Veterans Issues, Paul Papalia who said war widows had sacrificed for the nation, losing their loved ones who never made it home.
“We are proud to be able to continue the State Government’s long legacy of supporting the initiatives championed by the War Widows’ Guild and now the Australian War Widows Inc.,” Mr Papalia said.
The majority of financial members of the Western Australian branch of Australian War Widows Inc. are now aged between 80 and 100.
