NEW DELHI: The Centenary Commemoration of First World War(1914 - 1918) was inaugurated by a wreath laying ceremony by the Honorable President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate on 09 Mar 15. The President of India endorsed his remarks in the visitors book, stating “ On the centenary commemoration of World War-I, I join my fellow countrymen in paying homage to the brave and valiant sons of mother India, who laid down their lives on the line of duty. I am sure that our great nation will continue to draw inspiration from the sacrifice of these bravehearts”.
The Commemoration is in memory of the 1.5 million Indian Soldiers who fought in the war and over 74,000 who made the supreme sacrifice, whose names are etched in stone on the walls of India Gate. The period 2014 to 2018 is being commemorated as the Centenary of First World War. Wreaths were also laid by Raksha Mantri, Rajya Raksha Mantri, Service Chiefs, French Army Chief and Diplomatic representatives of 14 countries in an impressive ceremony at India Gate. Other events marking the occasion on 10 Mar will be the wreath laying at Amar Jawan Jyoti by the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi and inauguration of an exhibition at Manekshaw Centre by the Honorable President of India. The exhibition would be open to the public and Schools and Colleges from 11 to 13 Mar 15.