A special ceremony recognising three Moree World War II veterans was held at the Moree RSL Regional Military Museum on Thursday.

Recognised were William Henry Norman, Noel Arthur Dean and James Carl Shepherd.

Family members of the three men were presented with commemorative medallions by Federal Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and Nationals Federal candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey on behalf of the Moree RSL Sub-Branch.

Mr Joyce said the commemorative medallions were an initiative established in 2020 by the former coalition government to acknowledge the significance of the 75th anniversary of World War II.

“The medallions 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.

Mr Norman joined the Australian Machine Battalion in 1943. He disembarked in Morotai on June 13, 1945 before embarking for Balikpapan on June 20, 1945 and was discharged on March 25, 1946.

Mr Dean and Mr Shepherd were both members of the 24th Light Horse Regiment.

Mr Dean transferred to the 2nd Australian Imperial Force on October 8, 1940 and served in the 3rd Australian Armoured Regiment before being discharged on May 28, 1946.

Mr Shepherd’s daughter, Dianne Patterson, said she was honoured to see her father recognised after so many years.

“We’re all very proud of our dad, and all that he did in the war,” Mrs Patterson said.

“This sort of recognition is very important. The medallion will go to my brother, Robert, who has dad’s medals. The museum is looking into getting a certificate as well, and we’ll get that framed.

“We’re very proud of our dad, and his service to the country,” she said.

Mr Coulton said the men served their country with great pride.

“it’s an honour to be able to thank them for their service and sacrifice,” Mr Coulton said.

“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.”

“While Australia can never repay the debt we owe almost one million Australians who served during World War II, 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.

Moree RSL Sub-Branch president John Williams said remembering and honouring veterans was important.

“I’m deeply honoured to have Barnaby, Mark and Jamie here to present these medallions,” Mr Williams said.

“It is very important we never forget the crucial roles veterans like William Norman, Noel Dean and Carl Shepherd played to give us the freedoms we have today.”