Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Jan 15: On the occasion of the Army Day gallantry and distinguished service awards were presented by GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen KT Parnaik to 44 officers and other ranks of the Northern Command at an impressive Investiture ceremony held at Sangha Auditorium, Akhnoor here today.
Army Day is celebrated every year on Jan 15 to commemorate the appointment of Lt Gen (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army succeeding Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander in 1949. Since then it has been a tradition to present the gallantry and distinguished service awards to the soldiers on this day.
On this occasion, the GOC-in-C, presented 32 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 4 Sena Medals (Distinguished) and 8 Vishisht Seva Medals. The General Officer also presented Northern Command’s Unit Appreciation to 13 units for their outstanding performance in 2012.
The Investiture ceremony was attended by senior civil, military and para-military dignitaries. Lt Gen DS Hooda, General Officer Commanding White Knight Corps, Maj Gen Rustam Patnaik, General Officer Commanding Crossed Swords Division and Honorary Captain (Retd) Bana Singh, (Param Vir Chakra) were amongst those present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Army Commander commended all ranks of the Northern Command for their dedication and devotion to duty in the highest tradition of the Indian Army and congratulated those who were decorated for bravery and distinguished service. He also urged all ranks, ex- servicemen, civilians and their families to rededicate themselves to the cause of the nation.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders paid their tributes to the martyrs on Army Day at Shaheedi Samark Jammu.
Girish Sharma District Youth vice president Jammu, Sachin Sharma zone vice president, Pankaj Gupta, Sonu Saini, Vikrant Singh and Vikram Singh were also present.
PDP leaders paid homage to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
A function was organized by Congress leader Sumeet Magotra to celebrate the day. On this occasion a large number of youth gathered and paid their tribute to the Army soldiers who lost their life while serving the nation.
While addressing the gathering Magotra said that Army Day should be celebrated by all the members of society and we should not forget the sacrifice made by the soldiers for our future. Magotra also condemned the brutal attack of Pakistani soldiers and demanded strict action against the Pakistan.
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