As part of 50th Vijay Diwas Celebrations, commemorating the victory of Indian Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini over Pakistani Forces in 1971 War, a memorial service for those Killed in Action was held at Vijay Smarak at Fort William, Kolkata on 16 December 2021.

The solemn ceremony began with religious invocations by priests of all faiths as is the norm of Indian Armed Forces. The air was filled with melodious rendition of patriotic hymns and bhajans played by Army Band which wafted across the Vijay Smarak further adding to the ambience of the solemn occasion. Wreaths were laid by Veterans, Nexts of Kin of 1971 Operations, former Chiefs/ Army Commanders of the three Services and Lt Gen Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command. As buglers sounded the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Rouse’, from the Rampart behind the magnificent edifice of the War Memorial, the participants observed two minutes silence to pay homage to all those who made the supreme sacrifice.
