Tura: Hundreds gathered not only to pay their respects to the brave sons of Garo Hills but also to recall this day 99 years ago when a legion left to show their loyalty and valour and returned with their mission accomplished.
The people from this misty green hills had fulfilled the pledge made to the people of the Isles and returned with their bodies scarred, and yet their spirits determined.
The 99th Anniversary of Garo Labour Corps Day which has been held on 16th July every year since 1919 was observed with solemnity here at Lower Babupara, Cenotaph, Tura. Since the day falls on Sunday, this year, the celebration was preponed to Saturday, the 15th July 2017 and the function was organised by Tura Municipal Board, Tura.
This day is specially remembered to mark the safe arrival of the members of the Corps and in fond memory of those who died and performed noble works as recruits of the 69th Garo Labour Corps in France during the First World War.
As a mark of respect and remembrances of these recruits, the Garo Labour Corps Day was celebrated in a befitting manner with several dignitaries laying floral wreaths on the Cenotaph at Babupara along with Salami and prayers in honour of the departed souls. The salutation was done by District Police, Tura and 2nd MLP Batallion Goeragre.
Thereafter, a memorial function was held at District Auditorium, Tura where Skylance G Momin, Retired IGP and President, Council of Nokmas, Tura graced the occasion as chief guest.
In his address, S G Momin emphaiszed on significance and selfless sacrifice of those brave hearts who have set an example for the progeny to follow when such emergency like war, etc, arises and come forward to protect the land and people of our country. He said that those Garo volunteers had neither gone there for money nor for sightseeing but reponded to the call due to their sense of obligation as citizens of the country. Therefore, while appreciating the noble works of our forefathers, he urged everyone especially the youth to imbibe their good qualities of obedience, honesty, dedication and sacrifice in their lives.
President, Senior Citizens Forum, Tura, W G Momin, Retired Inspector of Schools, John Pillar Marak were among others who spoke on the occasion and highlighted on the history of the Garo Labour Corps Day and its great significance in the history of the Garos in which the contribution of these recruits may appear small but the cause is immense and insisted on the people to give importance to this memorable occasion and make it more meaningful in the days to come.
During the programme, Chairman, Tura Municipal Board, SD N Sangma welcomed the gathering as well as chaired the function while Chief Executive Officer, S B Marak proposed the vote of thanks and Reverend Pastor S K Sangma, Garo Baptist Council, Tura offered the invocation prayer. Students of Harding Theological College, Tura and Abeth Momin presented melodious patriotic songs befitting the occasion.
