AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 6 of 61 the Armed Forces, Para Military forces, Police etc., who during their life times had braved the inhospitable conditions of the deserts, glaciers, air and seas, as well as in every village, town and country for 24 X 7 throughout the year so as to enable their countrymen to sleep comfortably in their homes, and then made the Supreme Sacrifice of their lives yesterday for the sake of our today. The Chennai Chapter of the National Maritime Federation supported by the Rotary Club of Madras Central Aadithya and the DDG NCC, Tamilnadu, Pondicherry and Andamans conducted the third All Faith Memorial Service for Martyrs of Uniformed Services of Independent India on 15 Dec 2012 at the Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai. It was a solemn occasion with girl cadets of the NCC putting up a marvellous show. They presented a guard of honour to the Chief Guest, His Highness, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Prince of Arcot. Cmde S Shekhar, Regional Director, National Maritime Foundation, Chennai Chapter, delivered the welcome address. Priests/reps of five major faiths came on stage with their holy books. Passages from Holy Books were read, one after another, by respective priests. Wreaths were laid by those present, including the Consul General of the United States, Ms Jennifer McIntyre. On completion of laying of last wreath, “Last Post” was sounded followed by two minutes silence followed by “Rouse”. Thereafter the eulogies were delivered by the dignitaries. Maj Gen CT Chari delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Veterans. The eulogy delivered by Maj Gen Chari is placed elsewhere in this Newsletter. The function concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the NCC song and the National Anthem. Full marks to our member Cmde S Shekhar, who organized this event in a praiseworthy manner. VIJAY DIWAS 16 DEC 2012 Vijay Diwas on 16 Dec has become a permanent feature in the Veterans calendar of Chennai. This year also we had congregated at the War Memorial to lay wreaths to our fallen comrades. The function commenced at 8 am, with the Ceremonial Guards from 25 Punjab taking positions and the band sounding the ceremonial tunes and beats. Over a period of time we have come to realize that the quorum of Veterans is not complete without the august presence of Lt Gen C Sundara Rao, our patron. He did not disappoint us this time also. He laid the wreath on behalf all Veterans. In addition, a few more Veterans also laid the wreaths during the official function. The culmination of the proceedings was the laying of the wreath by GOC, HQ ATNK & K Area. and the sounding of the bugles. By 8.45 am, the official ceremony was over. All Veterans, numbering around 50, assembled at the steps of the Memorial for a group photo, before adjourning for tea at the MES IB. The tea was well laid out under the aegis of the Area HQ. It was great