Three World War II veterans from Moree have been honoured for their service during a special presentation this week.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton presented the families of Noel Arthur Dean, James Carl Shepherd and William Henry Norman with a Commemorative Medallion and Certificate of Commemoration to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The medallions were presented on behalf of the Moree RSL Sub-Branch at the recently opened Moree War Memorial Museum.
“While Australia can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served during the Second World War, this medallion and certificate are a small but meaningful way we can thank veterans of the largest global conflict of the 20th century,” Mr Coulton said.
“Noel and James were both members of the 24th Light Horse Regiment. Noel transferred to the 2nd Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 8 October 1940 and served in the 3rd Australian Armoured Regiment before he was discharged on 28 May 1946.”
“James was transferred to the 2nd AIF on 29 November 1940 and served in the 2/64 Transport before he was discharged on 1 October 1945.”
“William joined the 2/1 Australian Pioneer Battalion on 5 May 1943 before he was transferred to the 2/1 Australian Machine Battalion on 16 October 1943. He disembarked in Morotai on 13 June 1945 before embarking for Balikpapan on 20 June 1945, eventually getting discharged on 25 March 1946.”
“Each of these men served this country with great pride and it’s an honour to be able to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Even though they are no longer with us, it’s lovely for their families to have this memento to pass onto future generations, to remember the role they played in World War II.”
Mr Joyce says the Commemorative Medallion acknowledges the significance of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2020.
“The Commemorative Medallion provides veterans’ families with a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and services rendered by a member of their family to preserve our freedoms and way of life,” Mr Joyce said.
Nationals’ candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey also attended the presentation, using it as an opportunity to meet with local veterans and discuss any issues they have, particularly in light of the Government’s response to the Royal Commission final report.
“Our veterans are valuable members of our communities who deserve our respect and gratitude, so it’s great to meet some of Moree’s veterans today to listen to their views on how we can best support them into the future,” Mr Chaffey said.
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