The annual Armed Forces Flag Day, which falls on December 7 was celebrated at Raj Bhavan in Jammu with Governor N.N. Vohra presiding over the function. Observing the day means that the army flag is pinned to the people and they are expected to donate for the welfare of the armed forces and their families and wards. In other words it is a recognition of the meritorious services which the armed forces personnel render to the nation. Therefore the nation, too, has an obligation to care for the welfare of the families of soldiers who have fallen while performing their duty or are still in active service. The day was announced after the World War II came to an end and the era of reconstruction began.
Donations made by the people are utilised for the welfare of the families of war veterans, their widows and their wards. It is a national obligation to care for the families and children of war veterans. Speaking to the gathering on the occasion, the Governor made an appeal for donations to the welfare fund for the war veterans. He was sad that pension of widows was not disbursed in time. That should not happen. The Governor directed the Director Sainik Welfare Board to prepare a district-wise list of the widows of soldiers who are not receiving pension so that the case is made and sent to the concerned authorities for finalization. Another workable suggestion made by the Governor on the occasion and during his interaction with the army men was that the Rajya Sainik Board with suitable support from the State Home Department and Hqrs Northern Command, should initiate activities to provide opportunities for school children to be made aware about the role of the defence forces. This could be done by organizing tours to various defence establishments, screening documentaries on the armed forces and organizing interaction of students with their counterparts in other parts of the country.
We consider the Army Flag Day a very important occasion to show our respect and appreciation for the services which our defence personnel are rendering to the nation. It reminds us that we owe an obligation to them. Their sacrifices have to be recognized and respected.
Follow our WhatsApp channel