Veterans Day Parade at Marine Drive: A Tribute to India's Military Veterans

Mumbai Hosts Tri-Services Veterans Day Parade: Key Facts & Historical Significance

Mumbai reaffirmed its special bond with the armed forces by successfully hosting the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive today. The event, a precursor to the nationally observed Veterans Day on January 14, saw enthusiastic participation from the military community, underscoring the city's pivotal role in honoring India's defense veterans.

Parade at Marine Drive
The iconic Marine Drive served as the backdrop for the morning parade from 8 am to 11 am. Over 500 veterans, encompassing gallantry award recipients and octogenarians, participated in the march. Mumbai holds the distinction of being the sole city in India to organize a civic-level parade of this scale for Veterans Day, a testament to its deep-rooted maritime legacy and robust civil-military ties.

Leadership and Dignitaries
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, flagged off the parade as the chief guest. The event witnessed a strong turnout of senior officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing its tri-services nature and the united respect for veteran servicemen and women.

Organisation and Significance
Spearheaded by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with logistical support from the Headquarters Western Naval Command, the parade serves a dual purpose. It is a heartfelt recognition of veterans' lifelong dedication and a crucial initiative to foster public awareness regarding the immense contributions of former military personnel to the nation's security and progress.

Historical Context of Veterans Day
Veterans Day, observed on January 14, marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post-Independence, on January 14, 1953. The day is dedicated to honoring the service, sacrifices, and lasting legacy of all military veterans in India's nation-building journey.

Exam-Focused Points:

• Veterans Day is observed annually on  January 14 .

• It commemorates the retirement of  Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa  in  1953 .

• Mumbai is the only Indian city  to host a dedicated city-level Veterans Day parade.

• The event is a  Tri-Services  (Army, Navy, Air Force) ceremony.

• The parade highlights civil-military connect and is often held at  Marine Drive .

• Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa was the  first Indian Commander-in-Chief  of the Indian Army after Independence.