Since 1949, 7th December is being observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country in memory of the brave and valliant soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the Nation. It reminds us of our obligations towards the dependents of those who have laid down their lives for the country.
To bring to the forefront our obligations towards disabled comrades, widows and dependents of the martyrs, a fund collection is mobilized by way of the sale of Armed Forces Token Flags and Car Stickers. By wearing/affixing the flags the citizens express their solidarity with the Armed Forces for their exemplary devotion to duty and reassure the Defence Personnel that the entire nation is with them. Our admiration for the martyrs should not mean that we have little or no time for the living heroes who were wounded while doing their duty towards their motherland or their widows and children whom they left behind to fend for themselves.
On this day, we observe a two minutes silence at 11 am at our place of work as a mark of respect to honour the martyrs from the defence services and also to bring to the forefront our obligations towards disabled comrades, widows and dependents of the martyrs and those valiant soldiers.
During the course of achieving victories, in the various wars the Nation has fought and in combating the ongoing cross-border terrorism and insurgency, our Armed Forces have lost and continue to lose valuable lives as well as leaving quite a few disabled. The trauma that the family suffers on demise of the head of the family is hard to fathom. Those of our men who are disabled require care and rehabilitation so that they do not become a burden on their family and can instead lead a life of dignity. Furthermore, there are Ex-Servicemen who suffer from serious diseases such as Cancer, Heart ailments and Joint Replacement etc and who cannot afford the high cost of treatment. Hence, they too need our care and support.
The requirement of keeping our Armed Forces young necessitates the release of our service personnel at 35-40 years of age when they are still young, physically fit and have qualities of discipline, drive and leadership. Every year about 60000 Defence personnel retire. Caring for these ex soldiers and their families is therefore a national responsibility.
Many brave and gallant heroes from the Armed forces have laid down their lives in the service of the country. Ongoing counter-insurgency operations have also left many broken homes without a breadwinner. Flag Day brings to the forefront our obligation of looking after our disabled comrades-in-arms, widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
It is for these reasons, we observe the Armed Forces Flag Day. On this day the services rendered by personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force are remembered. It is the collective duty of every citizen of our country to endure rehabilitation and welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and disabled personnel. The Flag Day gives us an opportunity to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
A concerted effort is made on this day to raise collections from all citizens. The significance of the Day is brought home through electronic and print media. In some places, Armed Forces Formations and Units also arrange variety shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes. Token Flags and Car Stickers in red, deep blue and light colours, representing the three Services are distributed to the public throughout the country by the Kendriya Sainik Board.
Our Islands are also observing the Armed Forces Flag Day on 7th December 2015. The A&N Rajya Sainik Board has received token flags, which are being distributed on the occasion throughout the Territory. All are requested to contribute generously towards this fund.
The fund thus collected is utilized for a number of welfare programmes and schemes for the benefit and empowerment of widows, disabled soldiers, Ex-servicemen and their dependents. The Lt Governor, A&N Islands has made an appeal to the Islanders to contribute generously towards the fund.
