Port Blair, Jan 15: Andaman and Nicobar Command commemorated the Armed Forces Veteran’s Day on 14 Jan 21. To mark the occasion, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was conducted at Brichgunj Military Station. Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSM, NM (Retd) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rear Admiral Suraj Berry, AVSM, NM, VSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Andaman and Nicobar Command,  other officers and veterans laid wreath at “Bayonet Chowk War Memorial” to remember and honour the gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi also interacted with the veterans and exhorted all serving officers and soldiers to always remember the contribution of the veterans in ensuring territorial integrity of the country and nation building.

On this day, Field Marshal K.M Cariappa, OBE, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian Army retired from service in 1953. Thus to honour the contribution made by all the retired service personnel in the service of the nation, this day is observed as Armed Forces Veteran’s Day since 2015.

An interactive session was organised at Likabali Auditorium wherein officers of HQ ANC, interacted with veterans to apprise them of various welfare schemes, programmes and address grievances. Octogenarian veterans were felicitated during the event. Personnel at help desks addressed the concerns and grievances of the veterans. All Covid precautions and protocols were strictly adhered to during the event.