A full dress rehearsal of Army Day Parade was held at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment on Wednesday.
Gallantry awards were conferred posthumously at the event.
The wife of Havildar Baljeet of Kumaon Regiment received the gallantry award. Havildar Baljeet lost his life in an operation in 2019. Earlier in 2018, his wife had received the Sena Medal on his behalf.
The widow of Sepoy Sandeep of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, who lost his life in 2019 in an operation in which two terrorists were eliminated, also received the award.
Addressing the gathering, Lt General RP Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command, recalled the sacrifices made by the soldiers in the line of duty.
WHAT IS ARMY DAY ?
Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa’s (then a Lieutenant General) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. The day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters. On 15 January 2020, India celebrated its 72nd Indian Army Day in New Delhi. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment. Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. In 2020, 15 soldiers were presented with bravery awards. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade. In 2020, Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade
