It's not necessarily all parades for Australia's Federation Guard (AFG) as the members of the Guard found out on Friday, 20 April. Members of AFG were invited to spend time with veterans at Morshead Home for the War Widows Guild Field of Remembrance Service.

The War Widows Guild was founded by the late Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey, in Melbourne, in 1945. Her husband, Major General George Vasey encouraged her to help the wives and children of the men who had died while serving their country. Mrs Vasey visited each state and gradually encouraged the formation of the State Guilds. In 1965, she visited Canberra to form a small group, and over the years the ACT chapter has grown into a strong group with about 550 members.

AFG members took the opportunity to mix with the veterans of Morshead Home, exchanging stories and joining the crowd during the service. Defence Force members from RMC Duntroon performed a catafalque party during the service, which proved to be a pleasant change for AFG members, being able to observe a service rather than be observed performing. RMC Duntroon Band Quintet accompanied the service during hymns, prayers and the placement of the official crosses in memory of those fallen.

For further information on AFG, including upcoming events; visit the website at www.defence.gov.au/dpe/afg.

Story by LACW Lisa Rowley