Cutting across party lines, political leaders on Thursday took to social media to pay tributes to the bravehearts of the Indian Armed forces who have laid down their lives fighting for the nation on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day.

The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 every year since 1949, and is a day dedicated towards collection of funds from people for the welfare of the Indian armed forces personnel.

The day is also observed to raise funds for the well-being of serving jawans, as well as the disabled comrades-in-arms and widows and dependents of those who have made the supreme sacrifice, the leaders urged all citizens to donate generously for the jawans’ welfare.

Here are some of the top tweets:

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: “Salute to martyrs and armed forces personnel on #ArmedForcesFlagDay”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: “Today is Armed Forces Flag Day. The contributions of the Army must never be forgotten.”

Union Minister for Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan said: “Today, on the #ArmedForcesFlagDay, let’s pay our gratitude to every soldier for their courage, valour & sacrifice. We are proud of our valiant armed forces.  Jai Hind!”

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said: “Salute to the courage and valour of Our Armed Forces who ensure our safety- day and night. A day commemorated to redouble our efforts for their welfare. Jai Hind  #ArmedForcesFlagDay.”

https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/938621392555085824

Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot tweeted: “This #ArmedForcesFlagDay, let us remember our courageous martyrs of the three forces – the soldiers, sailors and airmen. It is also a day to double our efforts towards the welfare of our armed personnel.”

Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, airmen and sailors of India.

This year, from December 1 to 7, a wide digital campaign was spread across Twitter, Facebook and other social networking websites, encouraging people to wear the armed forces flag with pride to show their support and express solidarity with the military.