On the Army Day, during a Gan‑Super League football match between Jiujiang and Nanchang, a cloud shaped like a charging soldier appeared in the night sky above the stadium. The rare sight felt like a tribute to heroes. This accidental, touching scene has touched countless people. Source: Zicaibaofan(Douyin)

#NanchangMorningNews# This year marks the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Nanchang August 1st Uprising. As the Army Day approaches, red tourism sites across Nanchang have seen a surge in visitors. Reservations for the Nanchang August 1st Uprising Memorial Hall are fully booked every day. Tourists from all over the country come here to reflect on revolutionary history and carry forward the red spirit. 今年是中国人民解放军建军暨八一南昌起义99周年，随着“八一”建军节的临近，南昌多处红色景点游客激增，南昌八一起义纪念馆预约参观持续爆满，各地游客前来感悟红色历史、传承红色精神。

HONOURING THE BRAVEHEARTS Certain reports circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms have incorrectly suggested that the supreme sacrifice of six bravehearts during Operation Sindoor have been acknowledged or brought to public notice for the first time only recently. It is clarified that the nation paid homage to these fallen heroes at the earliest opportunity, well before the reports in question. During the official Press Conference held on 11 May 2025, then Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), paid solemn tribute to these brave soldiers and specifically acknowledged their sacrifice in the line of duty during Operation SINDOOR. These bravehearts were conferred with gallantry awards and this was published in the Press Release of 14 Aug 2025. This constituted a formal and National recognition of their valour and supreme sacrifice in keeping with the highest traditions of the Indian Defence Forces. Simultaneously, the Indian Army’s official social media platforms carried tributes to these bravehearts without delay. The nation’s recognition of these heroes has continued thereafter. During the Army Day Parade held at Jaipur on 15 January 2026, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) presented the Sena Medal (Gallantry) to the families of three of these gallant soldiers, while the Chief of Air Staff did the same on 08 Oct 2025 in a solemn ceremony, reaffirming the Defence Forces enduring commitment to honouring those who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation. With regard to the engraving of the names of fallen soldiers on the National War Memorial, it is emphasised that this sacred process is governed by an established and well-defined protocol. The Defence Forces follow these laid-down procedures with due diligence, care and reverence, commensurate with the solemnity of the honour being conferred. Any suggestion that due process was not followed is factually incorrect. It is regrettable that an avoidable and unfounded controversy has arisen around this issue. Such narratives not only misrepresent facts but also risk causing unnecessary anguish to bereaved families and detracting from the dignity owed to those who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. All stakeholders are urged to exercise responsibility and restraint while reporting on matters relating to fallen soldiers and to refrain from disseminating unverified information. The Indian Defence Forces remains steadfast in its commitment to honouring every soldier who has offered supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation. The six bravehearts of Operation Sindoor are national heroes whose courage, devotion to duty and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Indians. Their memory shall always be honoured with the dignity, gratitude and reverence it deserves. @DefenceMinIndia @SethSanjayMP @SpokespersonMoD @MIB_India @adgpi @IAF_MCC @indiannavy @PIB_India @PTI_News @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @ani_digital @ians_india

INDIAN ARMY MARCHING CONTINGENT TO PARTICIPATE IN SEYCHELLES’ 50TH NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS The Indian Army marching contingent is set to participate in the 50th National Day celebrations of Seychelles on 29 June 2026, commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Seychelles’ Independence. The celebrations will be attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as the Guest of Honour. India and Seychelles share longstanding historical ties. Over the years, the relationship has evolved into a strong strategic partnership encompassing defence cooperation, development, culture and trade. The Indian Army contingent comprises 32 personnel from the Assam Regiment and is led by Captain Aryan H. Deolekar. An Indian Navy marching contingent accompanied by a military band is also participating in the celebrations, reflecting the close and enduring defence partnership between the two countries. Participation of Indian Armed Forces contingents in national celebrations of friendly foreign countries serves as a symbol of mutual trust, military camaraderie and shared commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations. Such engagements reinforce defence cooperation and underscore India’s role as a reliable partner in promoting peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region. Indian Armed Forces contingents have previously represented the nation at prominent international ceremonial events, including the 237th Bastille Day Parade in France in 2023, the Victory Day Parade in Bangladesh in 2021, and the Victory Day Parade in Russia in 2015 and 2020. India’s participation in Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee celebrations reaffirms the special partnership between the two countries and highlights the growing depth of bilateral engagement across diverse sectors.

US Army Nurse Laura Hines Kern: “My most pivotal moment in Vietnam as a nurse was my first day. I just jumped off the helicopter and walked into the medical facility with my bags, looking for my supervisor. The chief nurse and one of the doctors quickly approached me and ordered me into the operating room. "I had taken one step into the operating room, and they wheeled a soldier by me who was missing both of his legs; they were blown off. When you see the people before they’ve had surgery, it’s not a clean thing that you’re looking at. It’s a real mess. And I think one of his arms was also blown off. "They had probably six IVs going into this guy and all hanging blood, and they had extra blood down below the stretcher on the gurney. At that moment, all of my senses were assaulted. There was the metallic smell of blood, the smell of burned flesh mixed with the smell of explosives that wafted in the air. I couldn’t take my eyes off those ragged and raw bloody stumps where his legs used to be. I don’t remember seeing even his face …" - US Army Nurse Laura Kern