Injured GIANT Rhys Palmer set his alarm clock early this morning so he could attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at North Bondi RSL.
Palmer paid his respects at the moving ceremony while his teammates prepared to fly north for the GIANTS’ match against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium tomorrow.
“It’s great I had the chance to attend a service this year and remember the men and women who fought for our country because usually I would be preparing for a game,” Palmer said.
“There were definitely a few tears and emotional speeches because this day means a lot, to a lot of people.
“What we do as footballers is easy when you think about what the diggers had to go through… it doesn’t even compare.
“I’ve been reading some of the diaries from soldiers who served overseas and it’s hard to imagine the conditions. It’s quite extraordinary.”
Palmer, who has an older sister who served as an Air Force clerk in Iraq, said it was important to keep the ANZAC legacy alive.
“She (Katie) played a big role in why I turned out to be so patriotic,” he said.
“I’m proud of her and all the other people who have served Australia in the armed forces.
“It’s great the AFL recognise how important the day is and hopefully kids keep learning in school about the sacrifices people had to make for our freedom.”
Palmer has missed the last four matches with a hamstring injury but is on track to return for the GIANTS next week against Port Adelaide at StarTrack Oval, Canberra.
There will be a minute of silence before the GIANTS match tomorrow to remember all the past and present service men and women.
The 2014 ANZAC Appeal calls on people to support veterans and their families by purchasing a minute of silence over the phone.
