Armed Forces Flag Day is an annual national observance in India held on 7 December. It is dedicated to showing gratitude and support to the country’s uniformed personnel — from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force — including serving personnel, ex‑servicemen, war casualties, widows and their families. On this day, citizens across the country are encouraged to contribute voluntarily to support the welfare of defence personnel and their dependents — making it a national expression of solidarity and respect.
History of Armed Forces Flag Day
- The observance dates back to 1949, when a committee constituted under the Ministry of Defence proposed a special “Flag Day” to mobilise public support for service personnel and veterans.
- Since then, 7 December was adopted as the official day of commemoration and public solidarity.
- In 1993, various welfare funds for ex‑servicemen, war widows, disabled soldiers, and other related welfare schemes were merged to form the consolidated Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
- Thus, Flag Day serves not only as a day of remembrance, but also institutionalises support mechanisms for those who protect the nation.
Significance and Purpose of the Day
Armed Forces Flag Day serves three main purposes,
Welfare of Serving Personnel and Their Families
Contributions help provide financial aid, medical care, pensions, and other support for those currently serving as well as their dependents.
Support for Ex‑Servicemen and War Casualties
Funds aid resettlement, rehabilitation, and welfare of disabled veterans, war widows, and children of deceased soldiers.
Expressing National Gratitude and Solidarity
It unites citizens in recognising the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel, fostering national unity, patriotism, and awareness about their contributions.
How Is Flag Day Observed?
- Volunteers distribute small flags, ribbons or car‑stickers — usually in red, deep blue, and light blue, representing the three services — in exchange for voluntary donations.
- Schools, colleges, offices and public institutions often hold events: assemblies, speeches, awareness programmes about armed forces contributions, and tribute ceremonies.
- Citizens are encouraged to donate generously, whether through purchase of flags or direct financial contributions to AFFDF, to support welfare of veterans and serving forces.
What Does the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) Do?
Contributions collected on Flag Day go to AFFDF, which supports a wide range of welfare activities,
- Medical assistance, pension support, and rehabilitation for injured or old veterans
- Financial aid, education, and welfare support for children, widows, and dependents of martyrs and ex‑servicemen
- Welfare grants, resettlement aid, and support for physically challenged veterans and pensioners
- This ensures that the gratitude expressed on Flag Day is translated into concrete support for those who sacrificed for the nation.
Why Armed Forces Flag Day Matters
- It’s a way for every citizen to personally contribute and support soldiers, veterans and their families — beyond just patriotism.
- It fosters a sense of national responsibility and civic awareness among youth and communities.
- It highlights the human cost of national security, reminding us that freedom and peace come at a price.
- It encourages respect, empathy and gratitude — values essential for social cohesion and national unity.
Key Facts
- Date: 7 December (every year)
- Started in: 1949 by Defence Ministry’s Committee for welfare of armed forces personnel.
- Main objective: Honour serving & ex‑servicemen, raise funds for welfare, rehabilitation and support for families of martyrs/disabled veterans.
- Flag colours: Red, deep blue, light blue — representing Army, Navy & Air Force respectively.
- Administered by: AFFDF managed by Central government — Ministry of Defence / Kendriya Sainik Board.