Decorations made to be just right
For John Burridge and his son David, the weeks leading up to Anzac Day are their busiest time.
Veterans and their families have flocked to the family's military antiques shop in recent weeks, looking to get war medals new and old mounted and ready for the day's formal proceedings.
With everything from ribbon style to order of display governed by strict military tradition, there is no room for error.
"It's typical of everyday life isn't it," John Burridge said. "Everyone leaves so much to the last moment because everyone has so much on the go.
"There are all these intricate little bits and pieces which means no medal mounting is a five-minute job."
Thousands of medals have been carefully assembled in the Vietnam veteran's Swanbourne workshop since he opened in 1974. He said his passion for military memorabilia was sparked by a great uncle who served in World War I.
"You name it and if it wasn't nailed down tight, he took it and brought it home," Mr Burridge said. "These things tell a story: it's not the medal, it's the man behind the medal."
Mr Burridge's father John Sr served in World War II, his grandfather in WWI and son David in Iraq and East Timor.
With new medals and other decorations awarded every year, his is constantly in demand.
