Ladakh, July 26: With tears in their eyes but pride in their hearts, the families of the Kargil martyrs gathered to honor their loved ones’ supreme sacrifices during a poignant visit to the battlefields on Kargil Vijay Diwas.
The annual commemoration, held in memory of the soldiers who fought and died in the 1999 Kargil War, culminated in a solemn ceremony at the Drass War Memorial. The families of the fallen soldiers were recognized with Veer Chakras and Param Vir Chakras for their loved ones’ bravery and sacrifice.
Among those honoured was the wife of Ganesh Prasad Yadav, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra. She shared with *Rising Kashmir*, “I am proud of my husband for sacrificing his life for the country. At that time, the children were small, but I took care of myself and my children well. Today, my late husband was honored with the Param Vir Chakra, which is an achievement of his sacrifice. I am emotional here and remembered my husband today.”
Retired Brigadier Kushal Thakur, Commander of the 18 Grenadiers during the Kargil War, spoke to *Rising Kashmir* following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the Drass War Memorial. Reflecting on the war, he highlighted the unity and cooperation among the different units, crediting this joint effort as crucial to their success. “The war was won by a joint effort of all those who were on the frontlines,” he stated.
The families of the Kargil heroes expressed profound pride in their loved ones’ sacrifices. “We feel so proud; they died for the country. We remember them every day,” said a family member of one of the fallen soldiers.
The ceremony concluded with a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers, ensuring their legacy endures in the hearts of their families and the nation.
