It was a privilege to be able to attend a reception for Australian War Widows Day at Government House today. This is the first time this day has been observed in South Australia, intended to be a small token toward recognising and honouring widows and widÂowers of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the ADF. October 19 was chosen because it is the birthday of Jessie Vasey, who established the War Widows' Guild of Australia in 1945. To all war widows and widowers in Australia, and to those you have lost, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country.