9th armed forces Veteran’s day celebrations held in the city

Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is observed annually on January 14 to honor the service of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, Late Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. This year, the Ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated at Air Force Station Jalahalli on Tuesday, where tribute was paid to veterans for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Training Command (TC) of the Indian Air Force, was the Chief Guest. The event emphasized paying homage to the veterans’ courage, devotion, and selfless service, while reinforcing the bond between retired and currently serving personnel. During the event, the Chief Guest, along with senior officers from the TC and veterans from all three services, laid wreaths at the war memorial at HQ Training Command in Bangalore. Addressing over 2,000 veterans at Jalahalli, Air Marshal Kapoor expressed deep gratitude for their contributions and highlighted the vital role of veterans’ families in supporting them. The AOC-in-C also honored octogenarian and nonagenarian veterans present.

Various counters from the Controller of Defence Accounts (CDA), Directorate of Veterans, Ex-Serviceman Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), and several banks provided on-the-spot support and issue resolution. Medical services for lifestyle diseases, dermatology, ENT, eye care, orthopedics, surgery, and general medicine were also offered. A stall by the Air Force Families’ Welfare Association (AFFWA) added further support to the veterans.