In their memory…

Yes,Raj Kumar and many other citizens like him who turned up at the War Memorial this Martyr’s Day – be it for a candle-lighting or wreath laying ceremony – came without any invitations or expectations. They arrived in respect and remembrance of the brave men of the country who have since long gone but not forgotten. “I wanted Shivangi to see the War Memorial and what better reason than the Martyr’s Day to bring her here,” said Mamta Kanoria as she held on to her seven-year-old daughter’s hand. A homemaker from Sector 28,Kanoria doesn’t have relatives or even friends associated with the defence forces but still she has a connection. “They gave up their lives for us. The least we can do is remember and thank them on a day like this,” smiled the lady as she got her other daughter Sukirti to light up a candle. And quietly the trio moved on.

Surprisingly for a robust gathering that boasted of as many as 30 students from Shivalik Public School,a dozen from the Army School,around 45 youngsters from the Army Institute of Law,men in wheelchairs from the Parapalegic Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) along with umpteen officers,jawans and families from the Western Command…the Memorial stood silent. “We should all offer silent prayers to our martyrs. This is my first visit to the War Memorial and it makes me so proud,” remarked Sahiba Nanda,a third year student from the Army Institute of Law. With the Army band playing out somber notes in the background,the crowds lit up candles making a ring of light around the Memorial’s centre. “It’s such a nice gesture,” spoke Col Jagbir Singh (retd) who walked in with his wife Jasvinder. “I fought the 1971 war and my name could well have been up there,” spoke the retired Colonel. Closeby,Pardeep Kumar,a former jawan of the 89 Armoured Regiment,now with the PRC,steered in his wheelchair on the ramp,a candle in his hand. “This day makes me proud,” he remarked holding on to his emotions. But there were some who couldn’t put a brave face. Like the daughter-in-law of the UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Gen S F Rodrigues (retd) who broke down during the formal wreath laying ceremony held during the day. After all it was a day like none other..

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