Kev’s tribute: special WWII veteran out on parade in Geraldton

An 81-year-old veteran came out for the first time on Anzac Day. Kevin Box brought his pride and joy, a bottle green coloured Ford Mercury, to the front of his home in White Peaks, a suburb of Geraldton. Normally the vehicle, bought new at the start of WWII by Kevin’s dad Gordon and his brothers, makes an appearance on Australia Day. Two Australian flags were flown, one at the front and the other at the rear of the car. They were joined by four wooden crosses with the words “Lest We Forget” and red poppies made from cupcake containers and bigger ones made of plate-shaped plastic. And, naturally, there was a Digger’s hat on the bonnet. Mr Box, wife Belinda and family members placed deck chairs around the car just before 6am. “I had to bring a radio to hear the ceremonies, because it’s (radio) one thing the old girl (the car) hasn’t got. It’s got everything else,” Mr Box said. Word was out that the vehicle the retired Northampton farmer had restored was on show. “It attracted a crowd,” Mr Box said. EDITED STORY: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the Ford Mercury was bought at the start of WWI.