With the theme of Honouring Families United by Defence Service, the War Widows’ Guild of Australia and Legacy hosted an emotional breakfast at the Australian Museum on Sunday as an important part of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover legacy.
Both organisations have a close and enduring commitment to improving the lives of the families of veterans who have given their lives or health for their country.
“The breakfast recognises that families have a big part to play in the recovery of all injured veterans. It is important that families are not forgotten and that the whole family is reflected and included. For every veteran injured or killed there are, on average, 126 extended family and close friends impacted,” said Meg Green, National President of the War Widows’ Guild and a widow of a Vietnam veteran.
Opening the breakfast, the Hon Darren Chester MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs said “With the impetus and enthusiastic public following of the Invictus Games we have a moment in time where we have the perfect window of opportunity to shine a light on our veterans and their service.
“The world is seeing inspiring stories of courage and determination of men and women in defence and we need to use this opportunity to promote all the good values displayed through the Invictus Games. However, the Invictus Games are not only about winning in sport. They are about winning in life and we need to take that message out strongly now before the greater public interest moves on to the next big thing.”
Guest speaker, war widow Gwen Cherne continued the theme of honouring family commitment with a heartfelt personal story about the impact of the suicide death of her husband Peter on her and her three children. Her emotional account of dealing with her husband’s mental health and then the aftermath of his death brought a reality to the audience of the significance of the Invictus spirit and underlined the importance of the support of peers and her military family through the traumatic time.
Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Director of the Australian War Memorial, was also a guest speaker using the spotlight of the Invictus Games to focus on continued support for defence families. He recognised that most athletes would not be here competing without the extraordinary support of their families acknowledging those family and friends in the audience as champions.
It is not just the athletes that motivate us; it is the family behind them that are the real inspiration. We should never take things for granted and we must continue giving power where there was none. Families turn negative experiences into inspiration and continue to believe in hope. This is our lesson.
Throughout the morning’s breakfast the OZY Youth Choir performed haunting Australian musical tributes to those who defend our country, finishing with a performance with audience involvement of a new Australian song Young and Free.
Before closing, Pauline James, President of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary, presented Dr Nelson and Ms Cherne with special Invictus handmade quilts and each guest with a commemorative Australian handmade gift as a memento of the Invictus Games honouring families breakfast.
AnneMarie White
Invictus Games Sydney 2018