Armed Forces Flag Day 2023: History and significance

Since 1949, 7th December is marked as the Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day in India every year. For more information about Armed Forces Flag Day read the full article.

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Armed Forces Flag Day 2023

7th December is marked as the Armed Forces Flag Day or the Flag Day in India every year. The day is commemorated to honour the soldiers serving in India’s armed forces and veterans for their selfless service and priceless sacrifices made to protect the country. Soldiers are the biggest asset of any country. They are the protectors of the nation and protect their citizens at all costs. Soldiers have sacrificed a lot in their lives to fulfill their duties. The country will always be indebted to these heroes who sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland.

Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF)

The day has been observed annually since December 7, 1949. India’s ensigns, flags and ranks were adopted from that of British-controlled India after its independence. The Armed Forces Flag day is also aimed at collecting funds from the Indian citizens for the welfare of the Armed Forces personnel. It is the collective duty of every citizen of our country to ensure rehabilitation and welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and disabled personnel. The fund has various purposes such as –

To provide the availability of rehabilitation to the families of war victims.
To take action on the welfare of the serving personnel and their families.
To assist in the resettlement and welfare of the ex-servicemen and their families.

History of Armed Forces Flag Day

Soon after India gained independence, a need arose to support and encourage the welfare of defense personnel. On 28 August 1949, a committee was formed under the Defense Minister of India, which decided to celebrate Flag Day on 7 December every year.

A committee was established by the Defence Minister which recommended the establishment of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund on August 28, 1949.
Following which, Defense Minister’s Committee established the fund.
The Defense Ministry of India combined all the other funds relevant such as victim funds, the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, the ex-welfare servicemen’s fund, and other funds in 1993 to establish the Armed Forces Flag Day fund.
This day witnesses events being held such asshows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes where people can pay, donate and purchase items which goes to the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund.

Significance of Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day gives people an opportunity to express their gratitude towards the sacrifices made by the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces. On this day, many shows, plays, carnivals and other activities are organized for people to participate and donate.

In order to commemorate the day, the Indian Military personnel arrange various traditional and cultural programs, where individuals can pay, donate and purchase items.
The general public and volunteers collect donations by selling coupon flags, stickers, and other items all over India and the collected amount is donated to Kendriya Sainik Board.
The Indian Military personnel participates in dispensing the Indian tricolor flags or vehicle flags (red, dark blue, and light blue denoting the three divisions of the Indian Army) across the nation. The bold and terrific militant shows how they have faced the enemy during a battle and sacrificed their lives to safeguard and protect the lives of the nation.
The Armed Forces Flag day is also aimed at motivating the civilians to support the armed forces.
The funds are used to provide care, support, rehabilitation and financial help to the needy members of the armed forces.

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