Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Army Day was celebrated by the Indian Army across all the formations in the country including Northern and Western Command today.
A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the ‘Dhruva War Memorial’ marked the Army Day celebrations at the Northern Command headquarters, Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen YK Joshi laid a wreath to pay homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, a defence spokesman said. Click here to watch video
The Army Day is celebrated every year in recognition of Lt Gen K M Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on this day in 1948 from Gen Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.
In his message, the Army Commander exhorted all ranks to take inspiration from the devotion, resoluteness and sacrifices of the brave martyrs and be prepared for all future challenges.
The Army Commander also commended meritorious units and individuals for their bravery and distinguished service.
He conveyed his good wishes for continued success to all ranks, veterans, defence civilian employees and families of northern command.
On this occasion, a health screening camp on lifestyle diseases was inaugurated by the Regional president, Army Wives Welfare Association, Northern Command, Ina Joshi, in which a large number of families participated.
The Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to honour the valour of the soldiers of the army and their selfless service towards safeguarding the nation and its citizens. It commemorates the appointment of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Gen Cariappa (Later Field Marshal), who succeeded the last British Commander-in-Chief, Gen Francis Roy Butcher, on this day.
The Day is celebrated at India Gate, all Army offices and Headquarters. The main Army Day parade takes place in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi Cantonment wherein Gallantry awards and Sena Medals are awarded. This year, 15 soldiers were conferred with gallantry awards. Indian Army also introduced a light and more climate-friendly combat uniform based on a “Digital Disruptive” pattern for its personnel during the Army Day parade, on 15 January 2022.
Considering the third COVID wave and surge in number of infections, this year, Western Command celebrated 74th Army Day amidst stringent protocols by paying homage to the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives for the Nation. The occasion was marked by a wreath laying ceremony at “Veer Smriti”, Chandimandir.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Western Command laid the wreath on behalf of all ranks of the Western Command and paid homage to the valiant heroes. On this day the Western Command reaffirms its commitment and firm resolve to ensure safety, security and sanctity of the Nation and its borders, the Lt Gen said.
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