India has been observing December 7 as the Armed Forces Flag Day since 1949 to honour soldiers.
On the Armed Forces Flag Raising Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in thanking the country's armed forces for their "heroic service and selfless sacrifice" and urged people to donate generously towards the welfare of their families.
"Armed Forces Flag Day is a day to express gratitude to our armed forces and their families. India is proud of their heroic service and selfless sacrifice. Do contribute towards the welfare of our forces. This gesture will help so many of our brave personnel and their families," the Prime Minister tweeted on Monday.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh joined PM Modi in appealing to the nation to "ensure the welfare of Ex-Servicemen, differently-abled soldiers and the families of those who lost their lives defending the nation". He also donated to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik also greeted soldiers and lauded their efforts and sacrifices for safeguarding the country.
"The national security is of utmost importance for the progress of our great nation. The armed forces are entrusted with the honourable duty of protecting the nation's unity and territorial integrity. They together form the oldest institutions that have made supreme sacrifices for the country and its people," he said.
The Union ministers were joined by several other leaders in extending their gratitude to the armed forces.
On Twitter, many reciprocated to the call for donations.
India has been observing December 7 as the Armed Forces Flag Day since 1949 to honour the soldiers who valiantly fought on the borders to safeguard the country's honour.