Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 14: Veterans Day was celebrated with great pride and respect throughout Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, marking the 9th anniversary of this significant event that honors the brave sacrifices and contributions of our retired armed forces personnel.
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This day is a tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Chief of the Indian Army, whose retirement on January 14, 1953, symbolized the beginning of a new era in India’s military history.
Celebrations included a rally in Akhnoor, where ex-servicemen, led by S Lakhbir Singh Sohal, presented memorandums to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, LG Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, outlining their concerns. The officials assured that the issues raised by veterans would receive prompt attention.
In Leh, the 9th Tri-Services Armed Forces Veterans Day featured a grand ceremony attended by Lt Governor of Ladakh, Dr BD Mishra, and Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla. Approximately 650 veterans participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hall of Fame to honor fallen heroes. Help desks were established to address veterans’ concerns, and seven distinguished veterans were recognized for their contributions to society. Similar celebrations occurred at ten remote locations in Ladakh, reinforcing the strong bond between the Indian Army and its veterans.
In Kishtwar, the Veterans Day celebration took place under the ‘High Five’ Sector banner, with over 250 ex-servicemen, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and widows of fallen soldiers attending various activities, including a free medical camp, a Grievance Cell for addressing veterans’ issues, and stalls featuring both CSD and non-CSD goods. Brigadier JBS Rathi, Commander of High Five Sector, praised the everlasting connection between the Army and its veterans and honored the supreme sacrifices made by their families.
A lively celebration in Rajouri was led by Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, General Officer Commanding of the Ace of Spade Division. The event included interactive sessions with veterans and tributes to their sacrifices, emphasizing the deep bond between soldiers and their homeland and the armed forces’ commitment to the country’s sovereignty.
Additionally, in Handwara, the Indian Army organized an Ex-Servicemen’s Rally at Pohrupet to honor Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, and Veer Matas. The rally provided various assistance booths and a medical camp with free consultations from the Government Medical College (GMC). Local government representatives offered guidance on farming techniques and rural livelihood schemes, while officials from ZSWO Kupwara and others addressed veterans’ concerns.
These collective celebrations highlight the Indian Army’s dedication to its veterans, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the nation’s security and wellbeing.
