Armed Forces Flag Day Celebrated at Raj Bhawan

GUWAHATI: Armed Forces Flag Day was celebrated at Raj Bhawan today. It is for the fifth time that the Armed Forces Flag Day was observed here. Every year, 7th December is observed as the ‘Armed Forces Flag Day’ throughout the country since 1949 with an aim to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who not only fought valiantly for the country’s honour and safety but laid their lives for the sake of the motherland.

Paying tributes to the brave and martyred soldiers for their selfless service for safeguarding the security and integrity of the Nation, Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi said that Armed Forces Flag Day is an occasion to generate funds for the welfare of the jawans of Indian Armed Forces and their dependents. Welcoming the ex-servicemen, war widows Governor Mukhi also extended his gratitude for their contribution to fortify the defense of the country.

The Governor also said, “The heroic achievements of our Armed Forces during various wars and while combating cross border terrorism are commendable. In the line of duty many of our Armed Forces personnel have lost valuable lives. Due recognition should be given to them. The trauma and tragedy that the family suffers from on demise of service personnel is heart-rending.

Acknowledging the unflinching valour of our Armed Forces personnel, we as a grateful society consider it our duty to take the responsibility of care and rehabilitation of the martyrs, disabled and their dependants.” He also called upon the youths to contribute for the Flag Day and wear the badge as a mark of respect for the armed forces.

The day provides an opportunity to connect with Armed Forces personnel, their families and to reciprocate our admiration for tem by contributing generously to Armed Forces Flag Day to ensure welfare and rehabilitation of War widows, war wounded and dependants of our fallen soldiers and Ex-servicemen. The collection has gone up from Rs 1.69 lakh in 2009 to more than Rs 30.0 lakh today.

The Flag Day also plays an important role in collecting donations for ‘Armed Forces Flag Day Fund’ which is the lifeline for instituting welfare measures and rehabilitation of the Ex-servicemen community.

Director, Sainik Welfare, Government of Assam Joshi Narain Dutt Ganesh Dutt said, “The most important gift from the Governor and the Honourable Chief Minister to the Ex-servicemen community of Assam has been the ‘War Memorial’ and ‘Sainik Bhawans’ at Guwahati, Jorhat, Halflong, Mangaldai, Dhubri, Diphu and Silchar. These two magnificent structures have provided the due recognition and respect to the Martyrs and Veterans and are one of the best in the country.” He also said that the Directorate of Sainik Welfare, Assam is working to bring the Ex-Servicemen to support Govt.of Assam by affiliating ESM with Govt. schools and developmental activities without financial implication thereby harnessing the potential of ESM. Senior officers from Govt. of Assam and senior Armed Force personnel, gallantry award winners, war disabled, war widows, ex-defence service officers and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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