January 14: Armed Forces Veterans Day

Every year, Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated on January 14. The day is being celebrated since 2017. The day was initially called Armistice Day.

Background

The Day began its journey as Armistice Day in order to reflect upon heroism of those who died in country’s service. Armistice Day is celebrated on November 11 all over the world. The first Armistice Day was celebrated on November 11, 1919 marking the anniversary of the end of World War I and celebrating the brave soldiers who were part of World War I. However, in India the day was first marked through a resolution passed by the Congress in 1926.

Why November 11?

The Armistice Day was commemorated on November 11 to mark the armistice that was signed between Allies of World war I and Germany.

Veterans Day

In 1954, the Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honour the living legends of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, on armistice day, the world pays tribute to living veterans who were part of the war.

Armed Forces Veterans Day

The Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated from 2017. The fourth Army Forces Veteran Day, 2020 is to be celebrated at National War Memorial. Chief of Army, Chief of Navy and Chief of Air Force will be present in the function.

Why January 14?

Every year, January 14 is marked as Armed Forces Veteran Day as the Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Commander-in-chief of Indian Armed Forces retired on the day.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2020