New Delhi [India], January 19 (ANI): Union Minister for Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region (DONER), G. Kishan Reddy attended the Retreat Ceremony at the National War Memorial and paid tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and displayed distinguished acts of valour during wartime, in New Delhi on Tuesday.

As per the Ministry of Tourism, Reddy also observed the Next of Kin ceremony at the Memorial which is held every evening before sunset.

Reddy took a round of the Memorial and saw the murals depicting epic battles and Operations of the Indian Armed Forces to protect the country. Reddy also paid virtual homage to the martyrs.

In his media interaction after the ceremony, the Union Minister appealed to everybody especially the youth to visit the National War Memorial built in the memory of martyrs who died in the line of duty. And as we celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Reddy urged that the students of all the States and Universities must come and visit the National War Memorial, which imbues everyone with patriotic zeal.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the National War Museum represents the gratitude of a nation to its Armed Forces. The Memorial helps to strengthen the sense of belonging, high moral values, sacrifice, and national pride in our citizens.

It stands testimony to the sacrifices made by our soldiers during various conflicts, United Nations Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations since Independence. Since its inauguration in 2019, the NWM has become very popular among citizens and tourists visiting Delhi.

The National War Memorial was inaugurated and dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on 25th Feb 2019. Apart from the main Memorial, there is a dedicated area for Busts of 21 soldiers who have been conferred with 'Param Vir Chakra', the Nation's highest gallantry award in war.

The memorial complex is in harmony with the existing layout and symmetry of the majestic Rajpath and Central Vista. The solemnity of the ambience is maintained with an emphasis on landscaping and the simplicity of architecture.

The design of the main memorial exemplifies that supreme sacrifice made by a soldier in the line of duty not only makes him immortal but also depicts that the spirit of a soldier remains eternal. (ANI)