India salutes Ex-Servicemen: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Armed Forces Veterans Day

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to commemorate Armed Forces Veterans Day, which is celebrated every year on January 14 to pay tribute to ex-servicemen of the armed forces.

Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen at Air Force Station Kanpur, the defence minister said that he is able to feel the gratitude that the people of India have towards soldiers. He further said that every citizen of this country feels grateful to every soldier and has special affection for all soldiers. He said, "Therefore, today on the occasion of Veteran's Day, on behalf of a grateful nation, I salute all our ex-servicemen for their service to the country."

Eighth Armed Forces Veterans Day

Indian Armed Forces Veteran Day is celebrated every year on January 14 since the year 2016. Veterans Day is celebrated on this day because this was the day on which the first Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, retired from service.

The Union Minister also highlighted the significance of Kanpur in the history of forces. He said, "It is no less than a coincidence that we have gathered at a place like Kanpur to honour our veterans. Kanpur has its importance in the military history of this country."

"When India's freedom struggle began in 1857, Peshwa Nanasaheb led the rebellion from Bithoor in Kanpur," said the minister.

He added, "Lakshmi Sehgal ji was the first woman captain of the Indian National Army formed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during the freedom struggle. She also had a close relationship with Kanpur. She even spent the last moments of her life in Kanpur."

Since 2016, this day is celebrated every year by organizing such interactive events. Chief Ministers/Lieutenant Governors of the states and UTs have been urged to organize such interactive events to commemorate this day.

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