Anzac Day is always an emotional day for war widows and this Anzac Day, when the traditional services were stopped, it was even more so.
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In Brisbane, a small service for some of those widows was held at their units in Brisbane's New Farm where the women were united by the memories of their husbands and their service.
Music teacher Alastair Tomkins, who led the music for Anzac Day movement, played The Last Post and the Rouse for the 30 women after playing at dawn for his neighbours.
Resident Mollie Jean Hunt, 95, who came to Australia from Canada as a war bride in 1945, said her husband John would regularly join his regiment to march in Sydney on Anzac Day.
She continued to attend services in New Farm park for the 12 years since Mr Hunt died.
"Anzac Day was important to John so it was important to me," Mrs Hunt said.
Asked about this year's commemorations, she said: "People have to do what they have to do."
But she said it was nice to be with women who have "the same lonely feelings".
Ninety-six-year-old Thelma Hughes wore her Women's Auxilliary Australian Air Force blazer at the service.
She marched on Anzac Day until just a few years ago, but says this year's small gatherings on driveways were a lovely way to pay respects.
Marina Court resident for 18 years, Betty Woodford, 90, said she usually watched marches and services on television, but this year was very different.
"It is hard, but this is the best way we can do it," she told AAP.
Marina Court units president Jenny Gregory laid a wreath on behalf of all Queensland war widows.
Suzanne Walsh, a representative of the veterans support charity Legacy, joined the around 30 women who sat in the yard or watched from the units during the service.
Australian Associated Press
