Context: The Armed Forces Flag Day is set to be celebrated on 7th December.

About Armed Forces Flag Day

• Aim: The  Armed Forces Flag Day aims to honour the martyrs and the men in uniform who valiantly fought & continue to fight on the borders to protect the country’s honour.
• Events Occurring: All three branches of the defence forces arrange different shows, carnivals, dramas, and other entertainment programmes to showcase to the general public the efforts of their personnel to ensure national security.
  • Token Flags and Car Stickers in colours of red, deep blue, and light blue, representing the three Services are distributed to the public throughout the country.
• Origin of the Day
  • Post-independence, there arose a need for the government to look after the welfare of defence personnel.
  • In order to collect funds for the purpose, the Defence Ministry decided to observe Flag Day so as to distribute small flags to the general population and in return collect donations. 
  • The funds will be utilized for the treatment of ex-servicemen, and their families, the cost of rehabilitation, and providing them adequate pension benefits.
• Purpose of the Day:
  • Rehabilitation of battle casualties of Indian Defence personnel.
  • Welfare of serving defence personnel and their families.
  • Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families

Significance of the Armed Forces Flag Day

• Honour Martyrs: Soldiers are the first line of defence, who protect the citizens living. The day honours some of those who lay down their lives in the service towards the motherland. 
• Show Gratitude to the Families of Soldiers: The day not only honours the soldiers who have laid down their lives but also their families who have been a crucial part of this sacrifice. 
• Responsibility of the General Population: The Armed Forces Flag Day is also an opportunity for the civilian population of India to take care of the families and dependents of the armed forces personnel who fight for the country.

About Armed Forces Flag Day Fund

• Purpose: The fund will be used to provide assistance to needy Ex-Servicemen (ESM), War widows and their Dependents; and the Institutions involved in the rehabilitation of disabled soldiers.
  • Apart from that, the fund is used for treating Ex- servicemen who suffer from serious diseases and who cannot afford the high cost of treatment. 
• Management: The fund is managed by a Managing Committee whose Chairman is the Defence Minister of India, the Vice Chairman is the Minister of State and defense, members include three Service Chiefs, the Defence Secretary, the Secretary of Ex-Servicemen Welfare / MoD, and the other senior Central government officials.
  • The flag fund is managed throughout the country by the local arms of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).

Conclusion:

The Armed Forces Flag Day is an opportunity for the common public to express their gratitude to our brave armed personnel, who not only protect our borders but also lay down their lives for the country.