Nation Observes Armed Forces Flag Day The Armed Forces Flag Day is being observed today throughout the country. On the occasion the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar extended his heartiest greetings to all ranks of Armed Forces personnel and appealed to all the citizens of the country to demonstrate their solidarity with the Armed Forces by contributing generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). Shri Parrikar said by donating to the AFFDF and proudly displaying the flags, the nation expresses support for the gallant Armed Forces personnel of the country. He stated that the Day offers an opportunity to express gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, who have set exemplary standards of dedication, patriotism and courage in protecting the integrity of the country and not only to resolutely defend the borders of our great nation, but also render valuable service during national calamities and combating internal insurgencies in various States. On the occasion, in New Delhi the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) officials pinned Armed Forces Flag Day lapels on various dignitaries including the Minister of State for Defence, Rao Inderjit Singh, the Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary. Donations were also collected from the public which will go into the AFFDF Corpus. This fund is managed by the KSB Secretariat under the aegis of the Defence Minister. The mobilized fund will be utilized for giving grants to rehabilitation institutions like Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centres, Cheshire Homes, St. Dunstans After Care Organisation and War Memorial Hostels. Financial assistance is provided from the fund to Ex-Servicemen and their dependents to meet their identified needs including student scholarship, marriage grants to wards of Ex-Servicemen, etc. The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed to remember the sacrifices made by our gallant servicemen in defending the borders, salute the martyrs, honour the brave and express solidarity and support towards welfare of war widows/disabled, ex-servicemen and their dependents. NAo/DM/RAJ
