Western Command Celebrates 69th Infantry Day
CHANDIGARH: A solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony was conducted at the “Veer Smriti” to commemorate the 69thInfantry Day at Chandimandir today, where Lt Gen Surinder Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command, himself a decorated Infantry soldier laid a wreath along with Senior Veterans of Infantry to pay homage to the gallant martyrs who laid down their lives defending the Nation.
Infantry Day is customarily celebrated on 27th October every year, as it is on this day in 1947 the first Indian soldier (1st Battalion of The SIKH Regiment) landed at Srinagar Airport to defend the Kashmir Valley against the onslaught of Pakistani raiders. This was the beginning of a new era of valour and sacrifice for the Indian Army. Maj Somnath Sharma of the KUMAON Regiment won the first Paramvir Chakra (Posthumously) during these operations in the Battle of Badgam.
Ever since, the Infantry has stood tall against all adversities and played a stellar role in all operations post independence including Counter Insurgency and Internal Security duties. The supreme valour and sacrifice displayed under extreme climatic conditions in an inhospitable terrain knows no equal in any modern day war.
