Dear Friends,
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on 7th December every year throughout the country. We observe the Flag Day to renew our solidarity with the service personnel; to salute the veterans and the brave, and to honour the valiant heroes who sacrificed their lives for us.
Service personnel are the true sentinels of our land, sea and air frontiers, relentlessly doing their duty under the harshest of climates – the scorching heat and freezing cold, hunger and thirst. The Armed Forces Day reminds us of the debt we owe to the many gallant men and women of the three services – Army, Navy and Air Force – who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland. However, their sacrifice has rendered many families destitute and many soldiers disabled.
Hence, we observe Armed Forces Day to enlist public cooperation and support for three basic purposes:
- Rehabilitation of battle casualties.
- Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families in general.
- Welfare of serving personnel and families in particular.
Let me also take this opportunity to remind ourselves that Mizoram has been for long a great contributor to the armed forces. This State has produced brave and dynamic men who served in the armed forces, bringing glory to both our country and the State of Mizoram.
Three former Chief Ministers of the State and four MLAs were defence officers. All these men after having given their best in service of the country, returned home and continued to serve the people of this beautiful State with integrity and honour.
As an Elder of the State, I would also like to advise the young men and women of Mizoram to follow the illustrious example of these esteemed personalities. The youth of Mizoram should prepare ourselves to join the armed forces in different capacities, from general soldiers to the officer ranks.
As every year, this Flag Day too, a fund collection drive is being launched throughout Mizoram. It is my earnest appeal to all the members of the society, the businessmen, government servants and every individual to contribute and donate generously for the welfare of our service personnel. Let us remember with reverence those who sacrificed their lives for the country and ensure their loved ones are well looked after.
May I conclude by reciting the famous inscription at Kohima War Cemetery, “When you go Home, tell them of Us and say, For your Tomorrow, We gave our Today.”
JAI HIND
