Armed Forces Flag Day: Know History, Significance And Other Details

The Armed Forces Flag Day also known as the Flag Day of India is commemorated every year on December 7 to raise funds from the common citizenry throughout the country for the betterment and welfare of the personnel in the Indian Armed Forces by selling Indian flags, stickers, batches, and other items bearing the insignia and colours (red, deep blue and light blue colours) representing all the three services of the armed forces.

The Armed Forces Flag Day 2021 marks 72-years of the Flag Day of India to honour and acknowledge the personnel who have laid down their lives in safeguarding the country, and also those who continue to serve by putting their lives at stake. It has now become a tradition every year on December 7 to pay tributes to the personnel from all three services - soldiers, sailors and airmen of India.

Armed Forces Flag Day History

In the immediate aftermath of the Indian independence, a need for managing the welfare of Indian defence personnel aroused resulting in the formation of a committee by the ministry of defence, which decided to observe December 7 as the Flag Day every year aimed at raising funds through distribution of small flags to the general population which will be utilised for the welfare and betterment of the armed personnel.

Since 1949, 7th December is observed as the Armed Forces Flag Day throughout India to honour the martyrs and the personnel in uniform who valiantly fought and continue to serve on our borders to safeguard the country's honour.

Armed Forces Flag Day Significance

The Armed Forces Flag Day gains significance as it considers that it is the responsibility of the Indian civilians to express their gratitude and appreciation for the current and veteran military personnel of India in acknowledging their services and sacrifices for the country.

The Flag Day is significant as it entrusts a moral responsibility on the citizenry to take care of the welfare of serving personnel and their families, rehabilitation of battle casualties besides helping in resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families through voluntary contributions as a mark of their gratitude and appreciation for the veteran and current military personnel serving the country.

Organising a diversity of shows, carnivals, dramas and other recreational activities on the Flag Day that displays the efforts of their personnel in ensuring national security by all Defence services - the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, showcase to the general public also adds to its significance.

Armed Forces Flag Day Fund

The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund was initially known as the Flag Day Fund set up in 1949 by the committee constituted by the Defence Minister. Later, in 1993, the Defence Ministry consolidated common welfare funds into a single Armed Forces Flag Day fund comprising of Amalgamated Special Fund for War Bereaved, War Disabled and other ex-Servicemen/Serving Personnel; Flag Day Fund; St Dunstan's (India) and Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen's Welfare Fund.

Common citizens can make voluntary contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund through the following modes:

• On online contribution by clicking on the link here: ksb.gov.in/fundpayment.htm

• Writing a cheque or depositing it in a bank to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. For more information visit: ksb.gov.in/DonateAFFDF.htm

• Contributions made to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are all tax-deductible.

The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund collection is managed throughout the country by the local arms of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Ministry of Defence.