Noida, April 13, 2002: Speaking at the dedication ceremony of the war heroes’ memorial, Shaheed Smarak, at Sector 29, here today, General S. Padmanabhan, Chief of the Army staff and Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, said: “When a community gathers to honour her brave sons, it is a very moving sight.” “And a town of 4 lakh persons coming together to pay tribute to its heroes since 1990 is remarkable gesture worthy of emulation by other towns throughout the country.” General Padmanabhan said we must remember that there must have been many more brave sons...those who were wounded, or are missing. “We must remember and salute them also”. “By building a Shaheed Memorial Noida had done itself a great honour, by honouring the brave soldiers, airmen and sailors. I salute you Noida. You have done a great honour to the brave sons. I salute your guiding spirit. Other parts of the country would do well to emulate this spirit of Noida”. “I am grateful to the next of kin of the fallen heroes who will no doubt inspire the coming generations, the General added. The COAs said all those who were associated with this project deserve our thanks and gratitude for their involvement, contribution of ideas and funds. And all those who worked together to visualise and to complete this project. The Shaheed Smarak Society formed in 1998, conceptualised the memorial. The society comprise, representatives of ex-servicemen, the Noida and Greater Noida authorities and the captains of the industries. Earlier priests from four faiths - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christianity offered prayers. The three service chiefs, Gen S. Padmanabhan (Army) Admiral Madhvendra Singh (Navy) and Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (IAF) laid wreaths at the smarak in strict military tradition, and saluted the martyrs when audience also stood and observed a two-minute silence. Later parents and kin of the martyrs also laid wreaths at the smarak followed by patriotic songs from children of Army Public School. A souvenir was also released by the Chief of Army staff.