he Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, pays tributes at the Veer Smriti war memorial in Chandimandir on Saturday. Tribune Photo
Chandigarh, January 15
As part of the 74th Army Day commemorations at Headquarters Western Command, homage was paid to the martyrs at the Chandimandir military station today. The Chief of Staff, Western Command, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, laid a wreath at the Veer Smriti war memorial on behalf of all ranks. On this day, the Western Command reaffirmed its commitment and firm resolve to ensure the safety, security and sanctity of the nation and its borders, an official statement said.
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to mark the appointment of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Gen KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal), post-Independence, who succeeded the last British Commander-in-Chief, Gen Francis Roy Butcher, on this day in 1948.
The day is also an occasion to honour the selfless service and valour of the soldiers and remember their sacrifices towards safeguarding the nation and its citizens. —