New Delhi: Every year on December 7, Armed Forces Flag Day is observed in India. On this day, we honour the soldiers and veterans of India’s armed forces. Since 1949, Armed Forces Flag Day has been observed in India to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who have protected and continue to defend our country’s borders and safeguard its honour. In this article, we will learn more about the Armed Forces Flag Day.
Armed Forces Flag Day: How did it begin?
To any country, soldiers are one of the greatest assets as they guard the nation and protect its citizens at all costs, sometimes even in exchange for their own lives. Soldiers are always on duty and have sacrificed many things so that we can sleep in peace. India will be forever indebted to these gallant heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland.
After India gained Independence from the yoke of British colonial rule in 1947, the government felt the need to manage the welfare of its defence personnel. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up by the Defence Ministry decided to observe Armed Forces Flag Day every year on December 7. The idea was to distribute small flags to the general population and in return collect donations.
Armed Forces Flag Day: Honoring Sacrifice and Supporting Welfare
The Armed Forces Flag Day is a special day dedicated towards the collection of funds from the people of India, for the welfare of serving defence personnel, battle casualties, and resettlement of ex-servicemen and their dependents.
During wars and fighting cross-border terrorism and insurgency, many personnel in the Armed Forces lose their lives and also some are disabled. The soldier’s family suffers trauma and the defence personnel who become disabled should be cared for and rehabilitated so that they can live with dignity. Also, some former servicemen suffer from serious diseases like cancer and heart ailments and are unable to afford the high cost of treatment. Hence, we need to care and support them.
We should not just admire the martyrs and the wounded living heroes but also think about their families. Apart from measures at the Centre and the state levels, every citizen must voluntarily contribute towards providing them financial aid, care, support, and rehabilitation. Every year on Armed Forces Flag Day, we renew our commitment to looking after our disabled soldiers, widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
An effort to collect funds
On the Armed Forces Flag Day, a concerted effort is made to raise funds from the common people. Citizens contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund by purchasing small flags, stickers, and tokens, which help finance welfare initiatives for soldiers and their families. In some places, the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force organise a variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other programmes to show the general public how their personnel keep the nation secured. Also, through the country, token flags and car stickers in red, deep blue and light blue colours, representing the three Services are distributed to the public.
Armed Forces Flag Day, observed annually on December 7 in India honors the sacrifices of soldiers and veterans. This day serves as a crucial fundraising initiative for the welfare of serving personnel, war casualties, and the resettlement of ex-servicemen and their dependents. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
