A powerful tribute to the unseen service of veteran families

It started with an embrace.

In 2015, during a theatre performance, a simple yet powerful moment of a wife supporting her returned veteran moved a solider attending the show so completely that he left the show at intermission, rushing home to embrace his own wife.

This profound recognition sparked a mission to acknowledge the thousands of families who share a similar journey, honouring the quiet, often unseen sacrifice of standing beside someone in service.

The families of our veterans serve too

The Recognising Families Sculpture embodies the enduring strength of families, parents, partners and children who serve without salute, standing resolutely beside their loved one in service.

When their veteran steps up, so too do their families – in the love they show, the support they give, the hope they hold, and the quiet sacrifices that keep home life steady.

At the Australian War Memorial, this sculpture will give form to that resolve and love, recognising the often-unseen sacrifices of veteran families.

Whether you’re a current-serving member or veteran who wants to say thank you to their loved ones for standing by them, or if you’re an Australian simply wishing to thank those who hold up those who defend our country, please consider making a donation today towards this important tribute.

The Carmody family 

From their early days together at Robertson Barracks, to the uncertainty of deployment, both Kate and Joel have experienced the highs and lows of life in service: postings, injury, isolation and the great unknown – will they ever come home?

When Joel deployed to Iraq, Kate said she learned to “trust that no news is good news” and counted down the sleeps until he walked through the door. During this time, they relied on the support of family and friends to stay afloat.

“Military service is rarely an individual achievement. I think that’s something Defence families understand better than anyone – the person in uniform serves, but their family serves alongside them,” Kate said.

“We are incredibly proud of our service, but even more grateful for the family, friends and mates who carried part of that load with us. We may have worn the uniform, but we certainly never served alone.”

Today, Kate and Joel remain deeply grateful for the family, friends and mates who not only shaped their service career but held them on their toughest days

Help support this important tribute

The Recognising Families Sculpture Committee is seeking to raise $500,000 to commission, create and install the sculpture outside Poppy’s Café at the Australian War Memorial.

Through your valuable contribution to the Recognising Families Sculpture, you’re recognising the strength, sacrifice and hope of those who serve without being seen or saluted.

To learn more or to donate to the Recognising Families Sculpture, visit www.recognisingfamilies.org.au

The Recognising Families Sculpture is proudly supported by the Australian War Memorial and RSL Queensland.