Homage paid to martyrs to mark Army Day

Chandigarh, January 15

The Headquarters Western Command today celebrated 71st Army Day at Chandimandir Military Station by paying homage to soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The Army Day commemorates the beginning of a new era with General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian officer to become the Commander-in-Chief, taking over the reins of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief, General Francis Roy Butcher, on this day in 1948.

The occasion was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veer Smriti war memorial, where Lt Gen Pradeep M Bali, Chief of Staff, Western Command, paid floral tributes on behalf of all ranks of the Command.

A programme for city residents to pay tributes to martyrs as well as a band display were also organised at Sector 17 here. — TNS

About the day

The Army Day commemorates the beginning of a new era with General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian officer to become the Commander-in-Chief, taking over the reins of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief, General Francis Roy Butcher, on this day in 1948.