Poignant reminder of one soldier's sacrifice in Cronulla war memorial gardens

The card bears the image of Private Scott Palmer, who was 27 and serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in Afghanistan in June 2010. Two other Australian soldiers also died.

Private Palmer grew up in Katherine in the Northern Territory and was a member of the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. He was on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He was survived by his parents Pam and Ray Palmer and brother Adam.

Inquiries by the Leader about Private Palmer's links to Sutherland Shire were unsuccessful, but it is not the first time the card has appeared in Monro Park during a commemoration.

At Private Palmer's funeral in Darwin, Commando Captain A (identity protected for security reasons) said Scott was nicknamed "Positive Palmer" by his mates.

"He definitely wore his heart on his sleeve and was always one to make you laugh," Captain A said, the ABC reported.

"Scotty had an infectious way of turning a shitty situation into something that was bearable."

In a statement released by the Defence Department after his death, Private Palmer's parents said, "To us all Scott was a larrikin who made us laugh, he had mischief in his smile, love in his heart, and was completely generous regardless of circumstance".

They expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming expressions of support from around the country.

"As you have kept us in your hearts, you are in ours," they wrote.

"Your thoughts and wishes steel us with the knowledge that we do not bear the burden of this grief alone.

"Our beloved son is coming home. He can now rest in peace."

Lest we forget.