Armed Forces Flag Day : 7 December

Since 1949, 7th December is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout the country to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought & continue to fight on our borders to safeguard the country's honour. Soldiers are one of the greatest assets of any country. On August 28, 1949, a committee set up under the defence minister decided to observe a Flag Day annually on December 7. The committee had suggested that it would distribute flags to the citizens in exchange of them contributing to the fund for armed forces personnel.

Armed forces personnel are the guardians of the nation and protect its citizens at all costs. To fulfil their duties, soldiers havesacrificed a lot of things in their lives. The country is forever indebted tothese gallant heroes who lay down their lives in the service towards the motherland.

Why this day is observed ?

The Indian Armed Forces Flag Day is mainly observed to rehabilitate those wounded in wars, for the welfare of serving soldiers and their families and the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. Also, the money collected is used for providing help to the ex-servicemen who are battling serious health issues including heart ailments, cancer, and joint replacement, etc. Flag Day brings to the forefront our commitment of looking after our war disabled Soldiers, Veer Naris and the families of Martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

To celebrate the day, all three branches of the Indian armed forces - the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy - arrange a variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes to showcase to the general public the efforts of their personnel to ensure national security.