The pain of war often follows war veterans long after they leave the physical battlefield. Creswick artist Ron Davis, who has spent years turning old bullets into red poppies, wanted to honour this at a walk for former firefighter and military man Nathan Shanahan – who took his life in December.
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Mr Davis presented Nathan’s father John with a Battlefield Blue poppy – to remember the ongoing impacts of war. This poppy will be sold to raise money for various organisations including Beyond Blue.
Mr Davis has previously presented the poppy to outgoing chairman Jeff Kennett. He said it was important to honour the men and women who represented their country and to acknowledge the challenges they often faced on their return to civilian life.
On accepting the poppy John said he was grateful for Mr Davis’ unique attempt to raise awareness for PTSD disorder.
He vowed to continue to lobby governments and politicians to raise funding and support for those experiencing mental illness.