David Langdon, Riverland Vietnam Veterans, Media Release, October 2025
War Widows Day on 19 October is now an official National Day of Commemoration first initiated in 2024 by the Commonwealth Department of Defence in collaboration with the Australian War Widows Inc. and Families of Veterans Guild. This is a special day of tribute dedicated to acknowledging and honouring the service and sacrifices of Australian war widows.
It is a day to reflect on the living legacy of courage and resilience of those women who supported their veteran partner and experienced the loss and grief at their passing, whether in war or afterward.
We show our respect and gratitude on this day so that widows will know we share their loss, we understand, and we have not forgotten the fallen. On this day, we honour our fellow Vietnam veterans who have passed and we salute their widows.
We know that wives of Vietnam veterans faced the same rejection, controversy, stigma, and neglect that their husbands were subjected to, which they were forced to endure in silence. Over time, the harm inflicted on returning Vietnam veterans and their families by an ungrateful society has lessened, but the shadow of the war, the impacts on wellbeing, and the intergenerational trauma remains.
War Widows’ families are important
We also embrace families of veterans who have lost a husband, father, a brother, a son or grandson, and we share their sorrow and loss knowing full well our own families will one day walk the same path.
War widows and families have stood behind our nation’s defence force veterans and provided unwavering, lifelong support during the best and worst times of life in the military and are still there for returned ex-servicemen after their tours of duty are finished. This annual day helps recognise the contributions and crucial role of veterans’ wives and families and their commitment to loved ones who have served Australia.
War Widowers are also recognised
As defence service has evolved to incorporate more women in our military branches and in combat operations, War Widowers are also part of this commemoration. Recognition of War Widows and Widowers on this special day extends over a history of more than 80 years, including veterans of WW1, WW2, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and other missions during war-like, peacekeeping operations Australia has participated in.
The legacy of service and sacrifice in Australia’s military history has meant that those left behind, including widows, widowers, and families, have often faced hardship and social stigma, compounding their grief and loss. And although recognition and support systems have slowly emerged, the impact of war on their lives has been profound and lasting.
Thus, we welcome the establishment of a special War Widows Day commemoration which, after 80 years wait, is a most significant development in the Australian war commemoration calendar.
Long shadow of the Vietnam War
For many Vietnam War veterans who served in combat or close support during the decades-long conflict in Southeast Asia, the horrors they experienced followed them home. The emotional burden led many veterans to suffer from depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. Were it not for the steadying influence of their wives and families, the transition from the battlefield to life in civil society would not have been possible.
For some, however, the strain of untreated mental health difficulties and PTSD symptoms meant they were unable to survive the challenges, despite the support of loved ones.
Over the longer term, exposure to Agent Orange resulted in higher risk of cancers, neurological disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic health conditions linked to the toxic herbicide. Service-connected conditions, even 50 years after the end of the war, have meant that surviving Vietnam veterans, now in their 70s and 80s, are more vulnerable to health impacts, disability, and shortened lifespans.
Thus, it has been said that some Vietnam veterans’ wives lost their husbands to the war two times: once in Vietnam, and again after their return. It has also been said that wars eventually end, but the War Widow’s loss is forever.
War Widows Day luncheon, 19 October 2025
To commemorate War Widows Day 2025, the Riverland Vietnam Veterans are hosting a luncheon strictly for war widows.
We welcome enquiries or responses.
Date/Time: Sunday 19 October, 12 noon
Host: Riverland Vietnam Veterans
Venue: Nanya’s Bistro, Hotel Renmark
Organisers: Roger Edmonds, David Langdon, Stella Reinertsen and Marianne Smith
RSVP: Roger Edmonds 042 9695 749; David Langdon 040 4724 046
Note
This event is strictly for war widows.
An ala-carte menu will be available at 15 per cent discount for invitees.
Meals and refreshments are at individual’s cost.
Nanya’s is accessibility and assistance dog friendly.
Wear medals if you wish.
