Army marks 19th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas in Ladakh

Srinagar : The 19th commemoration anniversary of 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' was observed by the army on Thursday in Drass town of Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region, a defence official said.

A solemn wreath laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial was led by Northern Command chief, Lt Gen. Ranbir Singh, said Defence Ministry spokesman, Col Rajesh Kalia, adding gallantry award winners, next of kin of the martyrs, including "Veer Naris", senior army officers and civil dignitaries also paid tributes

"This was followed by a pledge taken by all Service personnel at the function to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the Nation.

"The sombre mood at the ceremony brought home memories of the losses borne so proudly by the martyrs' families. Many in the audience were moved to tears when the buglers played the poignant tune of 'The Last Post' after the wreath laying.

"The event was celebrated with full military decorum and solemnity," he added.

Kalia also said that the Army commander, while talking to the media, thanked them for participating in the event and said that the commemoration is "the Army's modest homage to the martyrs and a way of remembering the contribution of the units and formations in the conflict that gave India its finest victory in recent times".