The Armed Forces Flag Day, observed annually on December 7, will once again bring the focus back to the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families as the Andaman and Nicobar Rajya Sainik Board has appealed to citizens to contribute generously to the Flag Day Fund. The day is dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of soldiers, remembering the valiant, and strengthening the bond between the Armed Forces and the public. The administration has reiterated that the annual observance is not merely symbolic but an important civic initiative that helps sustain welfare programmes for former service personnel and dependents of those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Flag Day is observed across the country to recognise the contribution of serving personnel of the Army, Navy and Air Force. It also aims to mobilise public cooperation for three core objectives: rehabilitation of families of battle casualties, welfare of serving personnel and their families, and overall support for the ex-servicemen community. The Rajya Sainik Board stated that contributions made on this day are deposited into the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, a consolidated national fund dedicated exclusively to the wellbeing of ex-servicemen and their dependents.
In keeping with the nationwide tradition, volunteers, students, citizens’ groups and organisations will take part in distributing token flags and car stickers across schools, colleges, government offices and public spaces. These tokens, provided in exchange for voluntary donations, serve as both a mark of solidarity and a reminder of the sacrifices made by defence personnel. The Board said that the collection drive is one of the most widespread civic participation campaigns carried out each year and remains essential to raising financial support for welfare schemes.
The Rajya Sainik Board has already begun distributing token flags to public sector undertakings, government departments, educational institutions and local organisations. The Board said that funds raised will contribute to multiple welfare programmes including assistance for disabled soldiers, financial support for widows of deceased personnel, and relief for dependents of those who were killed in action. The Flag Day Fund also supports resettlement initiatives helping retired personnel transition to civilian life, including skill development and livelihood assistance.
Citizens have been requested to send their contributions either through cheques or demand drafts addressed to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and submit them to the Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Veer Senani Bhavan. Contributions can also be deposited directly into the designated bank account. The Board stated that ensuring steady support for these welfare programmes is a shared responsibility and that public participation remains vital.
Every year, the observance also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards across India, which coordinate welfare activities at the grassroots level. These bodies serve as important links between ex-servicemen, their families and government institutions, ensuring that schemes reach intended beneficiaries.
As the nation prepares to mark Flag Day, the administration has called on citizens to participate with a sense of pride and gratitude. Wearing the symbolic flag, contributing to the welfare fund and acknowledging the service of defence personnel remain at the heart of the annual observance. With the islands having a long history of contribution to the armed forces, officials said that community participation in the Flag Day Fund continues to reflect the region’s respect and support for those who have served.
