CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Government has decided to observe Armed Forces Flag Day on December 7, 2009 throughout the State to commemorate the bravery and supreme sacrifices of our soldiers in protecting the honour of our motherland.   

While stating this here on Friday, an official spokesman said that  Flag Day is an occasion to express our gratitude to Armed Forces personnel who are engaged in the onerous task of national defence.
      
He said that tokens and car flags would be distributed to the public in return for voluntary donations to the Flag Day Fund to be raised on the occasion. No amount for the individual token and car flags was proposed.

However, in view of the increasing financial requirement to run welfare schemes for defence personnel, efforts would be made to mobilise maximum contributions to the Fund.
      
He urged all the Heads of Department and Deputy Commissioners to extend full cooperation to the collection of contributions to the Fund and ensure that a proper account of the stickers and car flags was maintained. He also asked them to send the details of the collection through the concerned Secretary, Zila Sainik Board by January 31, 2010.
      
He reminded that as per instructions of the Central Government, the contributions to Flag Day were exempted from payment of Income Tax. A Trophy was also being awarded to the Zila Sainik Board and Deputy Commissioner raising maximum contribution to the Flag Day Fund.