ANZAC Day 2014 will be one to remember for the family of Private David Palu.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Private Palu, part of the Royal Australian Infantry, was named the 36 platoon's most outstanding soldier during the march-out at the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) on Friday.
The 23-year-old, from Penrith, said he didn't expect to receive the accolade.
"I didn't really think about it, everyday I just put in 100 per cent," Private Palu said.
"Some days you just get thrashed, you have to leopard crawl through gravel, (but) some days are rewarding, like today, ... it's good fun."
View photos from the march out here.
Private Palu spent four years in the navy - which took him to about 10 different countries - before making the shift to the army.
He said marching out of the ARTC on such an important day was something to savour.
"I'm pretty proud, out of all the days (to march out), it's Anzac Day," he said.
Private Palu's family - mum Debbie, dad Steven and sister Lucy - watched on as the platoon was paraded and said they couldn't be happier.
"David's always very focused, from a young age it's always been what he wanted to do," Mrs Palu said.
"He has a very strong mind, and will, to achieve the best and he doesn't back down until he does.
"We'll definitely remember this Anzac Day."