HT Correspondent

chandigarh@hindustantimes.com

PANCHKULA : The Western Command celebrated the 72nd Army Day at Chandimandir by paying homage to the gallant soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation on Wednesday.

“Army Day commemorates the beginning of a new era as it marks the taking over of the India army by General KM Cariappa, OBE (later Field Marshal), who succeeded the last British Commander-in-Chief, General Francis Roy Butcher, on this very day in 1948 and became the first Commander-in-Chief of independent India,” an official release stated.

The occasion was marked by a wreath laying ceremony at ‘Veer Smriti’, Chandimandir. Lieutenant General GS Sangha, chief of staff, western command, laid the wreath on behalf of all ranks of the western army and paid homage to the valiant heroes, as per the release.

On this day, the western army reaffirms its commitment to ensure the safety, security and sanctity of the nation and its borders and keeping the citizens of the country safe.