Southern Command celebrates Indian Army Day
By IANSSaturday, January 15, 2011
MUMBAI - Valiant soldiers of the country were honoured with medals and citations on the occasion of the 63rd Indian Army Day celebrated at the Southern Command Headquarters here Saturday.
The day is celebrated every year to salute and honour the brave soldiers who gave their best, including making the supreme sacrifice of their lives, during the course of service to the nation.
A total of 65 soldiers were honoured Saturday. Lt. General Pradeep Khanna, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, presented 22 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 10 Sena Medals (Distinguished), 15 Vishisht Seva Medals and 18 unit citations to various award winners.
The Indian Army Day is celebrated Jan 15 every year in recognition of Lieutenant General - and later the Field Marshal - late K.M. Cariappa taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander, in 1949.
In Pune, the National Defence Academy also celebrated the Indian Army Day with zeal with the cadets undergoing training there participating enthusiastically.
