Mysuru: Soldiers who protect the nation with their valour, courage and sacrifice must be remembered and honoured ever year by commemorating the day as ‘Soldier’s Day’, urged ex-soldiers.

Ex-Havildar C.M. Sridhar from Chikkavaddaragudi near K.R. Nagar, addressing a press conference at Patrakarthara Bhavan recently said that our soldiers sacrifice their happiness and family and serve the nation.

However, there are instances where when they return from the borders, the officials ignore them. Is this the honour a soldier deserves? he asked.

Just like the Government celebrates many special days, there must be a special day identified as ‘Soldier’s Day.’ It should be a day celebrated in schools, colleges and government offices, for 60 minutes to commemorate the sacrifice and hardwork done by the soldiers to the nation. However, there is no need to declare that day as a holiday, he said.

By praising the soldiers and recalling their services one must honour them. Through such a gesture, the youth must understand that not only education is important but also mental and physical strength, and above all patriotism which are the qualities that characterises a soldier. Thus the youth will be motivated to serve the nation, he urged.

He said that when a soldier loses his life at the border areas and in wars, politicians, government officials and people gather in large numbers to show their respect for the person who has laid down his life. However, when the soldiers retire, not even one person is there to honour them and show respect, which ironically cannot be appreciated when one is dead.

Sridhar said that he had written letters in this regard and sent copies to the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Governor of Karnataka, Chief Minister, Deputy Commissioner and District Sainik Board. Ex-soldiers K.P. Diwakar, Nandish, Nanjundaswamy, Somanna, Prasanna and C.P. Sagar were present.