Published By: Nibandh Vinod
Last Updated: December 07, 2023, 06:05 IST
Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 since 1949. (Image: Shutterstock)
Armed Forces Flag Day is marked to encourage public involvement and support for the improvement of the Armed Forces Staff throughout the nation.
ARMED FORCES FLAGGED DAY 2023: Every year on December 7, India celebrates Armed Forces Flag Day or Flag Day. The day is observed to honour both soldiers serving in India’s armed forces as well as veterans. Since December 7, 1949, this day has been observed annually. We must not forget that many Armed Forces personnel have martyred in the service of the country.
The Armed Forces Flag Day, also known as India’s Flag Day, is dedicated to raising funds from Indian citizens for the welfare of Indian Armed Forces troops. Flag Day is a time for Indians to thank India’s military forces and remember those who died while serving the country.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2023: History & Significance
Every year since 1949, India has celebrated Armed Forces Flag Day. On August 28, 1949, a committee appointed by the then-Defence Minister agreed to hold an annual Flag Day on December 7. It was shortly after India’s independence that the welfare of its military personnel became a priority.
The main purpose of Armed Forces Flag Day was to distribute small flags to people and solicit donations in return. Flag Day has more meaning now that it highlights the obligations Indians have to provide for and support their families as well as those who depend on our armed forces.
The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) was established by the government to assist in the welfare and rehabilitation of ex-servicemen (ESM). There are approximately 32 lakh ESM, with 60,000 added each year due to superannuation.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2023: How Is The Day Celebrated?
To show the public how their soldiers fight to uphold national security, the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, the three branches of the Indian armed services, host a variety of plays, carnivals, and other cultural events on Flag Day.
Small flags in the colours light blue, deep blue, and red that represent the three services are distributed to the people in exchange for donations.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2023: How To Contribute?
The Kendriya Sainik Board administers the AFFDF, which is open for contributions all year. Those who want to contribute can do so either online through the Kendriya Sainik Board’s official website, or via a payee cheque to the specific accounts in State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, or ICICI Bank.
The online payment link and all the information about the bank accounts required to make the donation are available at https://www.ksb.gov.in/DonateAFFDF.htm.
The highest authority in the Indian government is the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). It creates and manages a range of welfare and rehabilitation programmes for former service members and their families via a nationwide network of Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs).
