Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed every year on 14th January as a mark of respect and recognition of the services rendered by Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE – the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. The day was initially called Armistice Day.
Significance of Veterans Day 2023
Every year since 2017, Veterans Day is celebrated on January 14 in the memory of Field Marshal KM Cariappa OBE who retired on 14 January 1953. This day is meant to commemorate the selfless devotion and sacrifice of our veterans; many of whom laid down their lives in service of the nation and also to salute the invincible spirit of those personnel who served the Indian Armed Forces with pride and honor. The event also helps to strengthen the bond between currently serving personnel and the veterans. The day serves as a remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers towards the defence of our nation.
Observance of Veterans Day 2023
Wreath laying ceremony is organized at National War Memorial in New Delhi and prominent personalities pay homage to the martyrs in presence of veterans. A veterans meet was also organized on January 14, 2021 at Raina Auditorium, APS DhaulaKuan with Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff as the chief guest for the event. Admiral Karambir reiterated the resolve of Services for the well being of veterans and assured them that their valuable suggestions were also welcome. Army released the coveted ‘Samaan’ magazine and Air Force released the ‘Vayu Samvedna’ magazine on the occasion, exclusively for veterans and their next of kin.
Armed Forces Veterans Day 2023 Quotes
Veterans Day is the time to thank and honor the country’s greatest patriots. Here are the words of some of the great people who expressed their gratitude to the veterans:
“I won’t die in an accident or die of any disease. I will go down in glory.” – Major Sudhir Kumar Walia
“I regret I have but one life to give for my country.” – Prem Ramchandani
“Sleep peacefully at your homes. Indian Army is guarding the frontiers.”
“We live by chance, we love by choice, we kill by profession.”
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” – G.K. Chesterton.
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas MacArthur
“There is nothing nobler than risking your life for your country.” – Nick Lampson
“The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – Minot J. Savage
“The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” – Thomas Campbell
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” – Winston Churchill
“We fight to win and win with a knock out, because there are no runners up in war.” – General JJ Singh
Armed Forces Veterans Day 2023 Quiz
When was the Indian Army established?
a) April 1,1895
b) August 15, 1750
c) January 14, 1851
d) May 20, 1800
Ans: a) April 1,1895
What is the smallest unit of Indian Army known as?
a) Battalion
b) Platoon
c) Section
d) Company
Ans: c) Section
How many commands of Indian Army are currently employed:?
a) 10
b) 5
c) 7
d) 15
Ans: c) 7
Which aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with a fatal accident and crashed in Central India?
a) Rafale
b) Mirage 2000
c) Sukhoi Su -30
d) MiG-21 Bison
Ans: d) MiG-21 Bison
Who was appointed the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army in June 2005?
a) Mohinder Puri
b) Joginder Jaswant Singh
c) Bhupendra Singh Thakur
d) Phadam Pal Singh Bandari
Ans: b) Joginder Jaswant Singh
Where is the Headquarters of the Indian Army?
a) Mumbai
b) Kolkata
c) Nagpur
d) New Delhi
Ans: d) New Delhi
Who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army?
a) The Prime Minister of India
b) Vice Chief of the Army Staff
c) The President of India
d) Chief of Defence Staff
Ans: c) The President of India
What is the Motto of the Indian Army?
a) Service Before Self
b) Qadam Qadam Badhaye
c) Nabha Sparsham Deeptam
d) Self Service Before
Ans: a) Service Before Self
What is the highest military honor of India?
a) Param Vir Chakra
b) Bharat Ratna
c) Maha Vir Chakra
d) Padma Bhushan
Ans: a) Param Vir Chakra
Who was the First Recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?
a) Major Sanjay Kumar
b) Major Naib Subedar
c) Major Somnath Sharma
d) Major Yogendra Singh
Ans: c) Major Somnath Sharma
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