Ex-servicemen to showcase maiden tableau in R-Day parade

Preparations in full swing as India celebrates its 67th Republic Day

For the first time ever, the Republic Day parade will witness a tableau by the ex-servicemen where the Army veterans will showcase their role in building the nation.

A contingent of ex-servicemen had always been part of the parade, marching down Rajpath, but this is the first time that they are part of a tableau.

Earlier, the veterans had threatened to boycott the Republic Day celebrations, unless One Rank One Pension was implemented in its right form.

Meanwhile, preparations were in full swing as the nation geared to witness the celebrations of its 67th Republic Day at the national capital.

Among the highlights of this year's parade, a 76-member French Army contingent, led by a French military band consisting of 48 musicians are marching on Rajpath — for the first time in history. Seventeen states and six Union ministries' tableaus will be part of the parade.

President of France Francois Hollande is the chief guest for this year's R-Day celebrations.