Like every year, the Indian armed forces are all set to celebrate Veteran’s Day on Thursday. The day was chosen as recognition of the services rendered by the first Commander-in-Chief of Indian Armed Forces, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. ‘Wreath Laying Ceremonies and Veteran’s Meets’ are being organised in various military stations to mark our solidarity towards the Next of Kin (NoK) of our bravehearts and towards our veterans as a mark of respect to their selfless duty and sacrifices towards the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh along with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat will be attending the Veteran’s Meet at Air Force Station, Bengaluru. NoK, Veterans and representatives of various ex-servicemen organisations will be in attendance. Celebrations in the National Capital will begin in the morning with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at National War Memorial.
Senior military dignitaries, selected serving personnel and many veterans will be paying homage at the National War Memorial. This event will be followed by a Veteran’s Meet being organised at Raina Auditorium, APS Dhaula Kuan which will be attended by all three Service Chiefs. Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff will be the Chief Guest for the event. Veterans, representatives of ex-servicemen organisations, senior officials of Ministry of Defence and three Services involved in welfare of veterans will be in attendance. Entry is restricted and by invitation only due to COVID restrictions.