JAMMU: On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today paid rich tributes to the valiant personnel of Armed Forces and saluted the valor and indomitable spirit of the Defence Forces & their families.To mark the day, a team of ESM and Veer Naris along with Director Sainik Welfare Department met the Lt Governor and joined the Armed Forces Flag Day observance here at the Raj Bhavan.Director Sainik Welfare Department, Brig. (Rtd.) Gurmeet Singh Shan pinned a token Flag on the self of the Lt Governor on the occasion.The Lt Governor observed that the nation remembers the brave-hearts of the Indian Armed Forces who always remain at the forefront to serve the nation and have made supreme sacrifices while safeguarding and protecting the territorial integrity of India.He urged the fellow citizens to express their solidarity with the Armed Forces and show gratitude towards the soldiers and veterans for the sacrifices made by them, during the course of their duty.Lauding the Army personnel for their dedicated and committed services to providing safe and secure environment for the people, the Lt Governor said that in J&K, the Army is playing a crucial role in combating terrorism; besides rendering valuable service to help civilians in distress in times of natural calamities, especially those who are living along the borders and remote areas.On the occasion, the Lt Governor made contribution towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund and conveyed his best wishes to all serving and retired Defence personnel and their families.He appealed to the people of J&K to generously contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund as a token of remembrance and expression of gratitude to brave soldiers & their family members.Director Sainik Welfare Department briefed the Lt Governor about various initiatives launched by the Board for the welfare of war widows and families of ex-Servicemen and serving Armed Forces personnel.The Lt Governor urged the Sainik Welfare Department to continue their sustained efforts towards welfare of the ex-Servicemen and their family members.The veterans present on the occasion included Hony Capt Bana Singh, PVC; Col SR Choudhary (Retd), Hav Rashid Ahmad (Retd), SM besides Smt Neelam Kumari, wife of the Late Hav Tilak Raj, VrC.Director Sainik Welfare was also accompanied by Col SR Choudhary (Retd), ZSWO Samba and Pawan Kumar Anand, Wel Org, Sainik Welfare Department.
