Defense Day,A Living Legacy of Courage and Unity
By Maryum Qadeer
The 6th of September is a day that is not forgotten by the people of Pakistan as a day of courage, power and patriotism. It also signifies the massive sacrifices that were incurred in the war of 1965 when Pakistan was intent on defending itself against external aggression. The bravery of our soldiers, the commitment of our martyrs and the eternal support of civilians made this point in history a lasting point of national pride. Defense Day is not a commemoration of the past but a re-affirmation of our nation that we are ready to do whatever it takes to defend our homeland.
The day is not special only because of what happened in 1965 but also because of the spirit it continues to give to us today. One of the recent examples of such continuity is Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and more so Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsos which has strengthened the defense stance of Pakistan and the unity between the armed forces and the nation. Bunyan-ul-Marsos was not just a military exercise- it was a show of alertness, modernization and unswerving commitment to national security. Similarly, the war of 1965 was a symbol of fighting against all odds and so was this operation by adjusting to the new challenges of terrorism and asymmetric warfare. They are all in one the sign of the everlasting strength of the Pakistani defense policy: the policy of sacrifice, endurance and faith.
The martyrs of 1965 are remembered with a lot of respect and love annually. Their sacrifice has remained an exemplary light to the generations of soldiers and citizens. Their bravery and the sacrifice of our troops in the recent operations are equitable to each other and it reminds that the tale of resilience of Pakistan is not of the past but it is present. The legacy of 1965 and the sacrifice which was made in Bunyan-ul-Marsos shows that love of the nation and the spirit of sacrifice are a part of the defense ethos of Pakistan.
The success of the operations that the armed forces have undertaken has even increased patriotism and unity in the past few years. Such achievements have brought back the same affection and pride that people felt in 1965.
Pakistanis nowadays are assured that their army is vigilant, modernized and ever prepared to counter any threat. This has not only made the country more cohesive but has also made the country speak in one voice in the defense of their homeland. It is either the ceremonies and prayers to the martyrs, the educational programs and media tributes, the Defense Day still reminds the Pakistanis of their collective responsibility to national security and unity.
Most importantly, the Defense Day is an inspiration to the youth. The history of courage in 1965 and the success of the contemporary day activities like Bunyan-ul-Marsos have significant lessons of patriotism, endurance and sacrifice. It instills the younger generations with the desire to preserve the integrity of the nation and to preserve the spirit of unity which has always been the most powerful asset of Pakistan.
Finally, Defense Day is not only a memory, it is a tradition. It means that the spirit of Pakistan, its courage, faith and unity is undefeated, regardless of the challenge. The sacrifices of yesterday and the strength of today make a great story: that no power can break the spirit of a nation that is united, strong-willed and ready to defend its homeland with undying love and pride.
