Armed Forces Flag Day is a day dedicated to honouring the soldiers and veterans of India's armed forces. It is observed annually on December 7 since 1949. The purpose of this day is to encourage public involvement and support for the welfare of the defence personnel and their families.
The history of Armed Forces Flag Day traces its roots to August 28, 1949, when a committee set up under the defence minister decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The idea behind observing a Flag Day was to distribute small flags to the general population and in return collect donations. Flag Day gains more significance as it considers that it is the responsibility of the civilian population of India to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight for the country.
The flag of the Indian Armed Forces is similar to that of the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, first utilised in 1956, and is a common colour scheme in British-aligned territories, used by fellow Commonwealth nations including Cyprus, Kenya and Nigeria. The flag has three colours: red, deep blue and light blue, representing the three branches of the Indian armed forces: the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
On the Flag Day, all three branches of the Indian armed forces arrange a variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes to showcase to the general public the efforts of their personnel to ensure national security. Throughout the country, small flags and car flags in red, deep blue and light blue colours representing the three Services are distributed in return for donations.
Flag Day serves to promote three basic causes:
- Rehabilitation of battle casualties
- Welfare of serving personnel and their families
- Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families
Flag Day is also a time for Indians to express their gratitude and appreciation to the current and veteran military personnel of India and to acknowledge those who died in service to the country. The country is forever indebted to these gallant heroes who lay down their lives in the service towards the motherland. It is our duty to not only show our admiration for the martyrs and the living heroes who were wounded while doing their duties but also their families who have been a crucial part of this sacrifice.
Apart from Government measures at the Centre and the State level, it is the collective duty of every citizen of our country to make his/her unstinted and voluntary contribution towards providing care, support, rehabilitation and financial aid. You can contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund by visiting https://www.mygov.in/armed-forces-flag-day
Let us all join hands to salute our brave soldiers and veterans on this Armed Forces Flag Day and pledge our support for their well-being.
Sources:
: https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/armed-forces-flag-day-2023-history-celebrations-and-how-to-contribute-8692916.html
: https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/armed-forces-flag-day-2023-date-history-significance/ar-AA1l56AD
: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/armed-forces-flag-day-2023-wishes-quotes-whatsapp-images-download-indian-army/articleshow/105786370.cms
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_Flag_Day
: https://www.mygov.in/armed-forces-flag-day/
: https://www.indiatoday.in/information/story/armed-forces-flag-day-2022-how-to-contribute-history-and-everything-you-need-to-know-2306254-2022-12-07
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