Army's Western Command celebrates its 71st Raising Day

The 71st Raising Day of the Western Command, the frontline operational command of the Indian Army which played an active role in the wars against Pakistan, was celebrated at its headquarters at Chandimandir in Haryana's Panchkula district Saturday.

A solemn ceremony was held to remember and respect the Western Command martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, a defence spokesman said here.

Lt General Surinder Singh, general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command, laid a wreath at the 'Veer Smriti' to pay homage to the martyrs, he said.

Greeting all ranks and their families on the occasion, Gen Singh highlighted the sacrifices made by the gallant soldiers and exhorted the ranks to always remain prepared for the call of the nation.

The Western Command since its inception in 1947 originally as Delhi and Pakistan Command has been a saga of bravery, sacrifice and glory in the highest military tradition in the service of the nation, the spokesman said.

To mark the occasion, a motorcycle display by the Tornado, Army Team and a military band playing various martial tunes was also held for all ranks and their families, he said.