Saint Paul’s Church celebrates silver jubilee of Defence Sunday

On August 8 in 1999, a few months after the Kargil War, some soldiers and officers of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles were invited to St Paul's Church in Pune and felicitated over prayers and fellowship.

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Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A K Singh at St Paul’s Church in Pune on Sunday. (Expres Photo by Pavan Khengre)

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THE Saint Paul’s Church in Pune celebrated the silver jubilee of Defence Sunday — which is marked by a special prayer every year dedicated to the defence forces and defence establishments of the country in recognition of their services towards security and national integrity.

The 25th Defence Sunday was attended by Southern Army Commander Lt Gen A K Singh, who laid a wreath in memory of the soldiers.

On August 8 in 1999, a few months after the Kargil War, some soldiers and officers of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles were invited to St Paul’s Church in Pune and felicitated over prayers and fellowship.

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Later during the annual general body meeting held on September 26 the same year, it was decided to set aside one Sunday in a year as Defence Sunday, a practice followed till date. Every year since, special prayers for the defence fraternity are held at St Paul’s Church on the Sunday prior to Independence Day.On Sunday, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Singh attended special prayers and laid a wreath at the church, along with other dignitaries and veterans, in memory of all the bravehearts who have laid down their lives in service of the nation.

Special prayers for the safety of all our soldiers and all those associated with defence establishments were conducted with representatives from all three services, veterans and other civil dignitaries in attendance.
The Army Commander addressed the gathering and conveyed his gratitude to St Paul’s Church for earmarking a special day Defence Sunday.