ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY

The Armed Forces Flag day is celebrated on December 7 to honor the personnel of the . The objective of this day is also to raise funds from people for the betterment of the Armed Forces staff just by selling Indian flags, batches, stickers and other items. On this day, the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces -- , and -- organize a variety of programs to showcase their efforts towards national security.

Immediately after achieved independence, a need arose for the government to manage the welfare of its defence personnel. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up under the defence minister decided to observe a flag day annually on December 7. The idea behind observing a Flag Day was to distribute small flags to the general population and in return collect donations. Flag Day gains more significance as it considers that it is the responsibility of the civilian population of India to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight for the country. The fund collection is managed throughout the country by the local arms of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), which is part of the Ministry of Defence.

The Flag Day is mainly observed to serve three basic purposes

• Rehabilitation of battle casualties • Welfare of serving personnel and their families • Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families

Throughout the country small flags and car flags in red, deep blue and light blue colors representing the three Services are distributed in return for donations.

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Happy Indian Armed Forces Flag Day!

Name – Cdt Pragya Dadhich

Unit – 3Raj. Girls Bn, Jodhpur