Photo one: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (right) presented two Certificates of Appreciation to Raymond John Harvey who served in two separate peace keeping operations as a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy from 1967 to 1979.
Four veterans with ties to Broken Hill have been recognised for their military service during a special presentation today.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton presented Certificates of Appreciation to Raymond John Harvey, and the family members of the late Albert James McDonald, Donald Harold Earnest Massey and Harold John Massey.
“Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that the Australian Government expresses its gratitude to those who have given so much in protecting our country’s interests and helping to restore and maintain peace around the world,” Mr Coulton said.
“We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by our veterans’ service to Australia, and it’s important to recognise this.
“It’s an honour to be able to present these certificates today, acknowledging the service of Raymond, Albert, Donald and Harold.
“Ray served our country and the Australian Defence Force from June 1967 to January 1979, as a sailor in the Royal Australian Navy. He was part of peace keeping operations as a member of the Far East Strategic Reserve from 1967 to 1975. He continued in peace keeping operations in South East Asia until 1979. Ray was awarded two medals in recognition of his service – The Australian Service Medal and the SE Asia Medal.
“Albert joined the 24th Battalion Cadets in November 1937, aged 18. He served in the Australian Defence Force from November 1939 to February 1943 when he was killed in action in New Guinea while serving in the 2/7 Australian Infantry Battalion, leaving behind a young wife.
“Donald served in the Citizen Military Forces from December 1941 to 1943 and the Australian Imperial Forces from October 1943 to April 1946 in Australia and New Guinea. He was a Driver in the 151 General Transport Company.
“Harold first served as a Private in the 2/8th Ambulance in Australia from 1940 to 1941. He served again as a Sergeant in the L.T.D in Adelaide from 1941 to 1944.
“Thank you to each of these men for their sacrifice and service. Even though Albert, Donald and Harold 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 various conflicts.”
Certificates of Appreciation are available for veterans who have served overseas in Australia’s Defence Forces during the Second World War and in wars, conflicts or peacekeeping operations since, or on the home front during the Second World War.
Veterans, or family members of a deceased eligible person, are invited to apply for a certificate.
Applications can be submitted to Mr Coulton’s Dubbo electorate office at Shop 3/153 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830 or via email to mark.coulton.mp@aph.gov.au.
More information about Certificates of Appreciation, including the guidelines and an application form is available at www.dva.gov.au/recognition/certificate-appreciation or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).