Governor pays tribute at Chandigarh War Memorial

Remembering the sacrifices of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country, a wreath laying ceremony was held at the Chandigarh War Memorial Wednesday. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shivraj Patil and GoC-in-C Western Command Lt Gen Sanjeev Chachra laid wreaths at the memorial at Bougainvillea Garden in Sector 3.

The armed forces contingent sounded the last post and reversed arms, as a mark of respect to the martyrs, when the Governor placed wreath. A two-minute silence marked by sounding hooter, in memory of the martyrs was also observed.

In his remarks in the visitors book, Patil noted: "We should remember those who gave their present for the future of others. Their memory can inspire us to do our duties in the best possible manner, and can tell to see that their sacrifices do not go invain. May their souls rest in eternal peace". The Governor also interacted with war decorated soldiers.

The Governor, while sharing his views said, "We owe a great debt to the soldiers who have spent prime of their lives for protecting the boundaries and maintaining peace in the country."

Patil said that it is "our moral responsibility to give top priority for the welfare and well-being of the martyrs families.". He also emphasised that "ex-servicemen'" should make endeavour to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and nationalism in their children.

Lt Gen Chachra also took the salute at the ceremony and interacted with the people who had assembled there. He went around the War Memorial reading the names of the martyrs that were written on the plaques.

Among those who paid their respects to the martyrs include, M P Singh, principal secretary to Governor, Anil Kumar, Home Secretary, Mohammad. Shayin, Deputy Commissioner, Resident Editor of The Indian Express Vipin Pubby, Major Vivek Anand, ADC to Governor and other senior army, police and officials.

The Chandigarh War Memorial was dedicated to the nation by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on August 17, 2006 . The Indian Express led a citizen's initiative of building the memorial that consists of names of around 11,000 martyrs since independence. The names have been etched in gold letters on the granite plaques.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/governor-pays-tribute-at-chandigarh-war-memorial/1067023/0