Pune: The Army Day is celebrated every year on January 15 to mark the taking over of the Indian Army by the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant General (Later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa,  on January 15, 1948. He took over the reins of the Indian Army from Lieutenant General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. The day is marked by ceremonial events all over India.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Southern Command organised a wreath-laying ceremony at National War Memorial, Pune, to pay homage to those who made supreme sacrifice while safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation. The event was graced by Lieutenant General SK Saini, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, who laid the wreath in remembrance of martyrs.

The Pune-headquartered Southern Command which is responsible for guarding the Western and Southern borders, has taken part in all major military operations since independence and has also provided succour to the citizens in times of natural calamities and other disasters. 

“On this 71st Army Day, the brave officers and soldiers of the Southern Command resolve to uphold the greatest traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation and its people without any consideration to their personal safety or comfort,” a statement from Southern Command reads.