Kargil Vijay Diwas
The Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India GateRAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images

It's been 19 years since the Indian Army lost over 500 soldiers – as per official figures – in the Kargil War, but the armed forces haven't forgotten their glorious and valiant brothers in arms, and neither has the nation. India observes the Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 and honours the men who were martyred in the 1999 war with Pakistan.

This was the day that the army declared the two-month mission successful, but it came at a high price. The Indian Army organises several events and functions to remember those who were killed and homage is paid to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

The forces also pay homage at the Kargil War memorial in Dras. The memorial has a sandstone epitaph, which has the names of all the Indian army personnel, who laid their lives during the Kargil war.

Twitter has been abuzz with users remembering the fallen heroes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wrote a message on the micro-blogging site.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during Operation Vijay. Our brave soldiers ensured that India remains protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace," he wrote.

Several others have also spoken about the Kargil Vijay Diwas and said that India is proud of its armed forces.

 Meanwhile, here are a few messages and thoughts that you can share with your near and dear ones this Kargil Vijay Diwas. 

  1.  "Salute to our brave soldiers, the martyrs who gave their all and their families on Kargil Vijay Divas  Jai Hind !"
  2. "They crushed our enemies and our sorrow, They gave up their today for our tomorrow, They wore a smile and laid down their lives, A salute to these gallant soldiers and their sacrifice, They are fallen but not forgotten !!"
  3. "Mission Accomplished.
    Let every Indian,
    No matter who,
    No matter where,
    Take a pledge on this,
    The Kargil Vijay Day,
    To do his or her duty,
    To the fullest,
    To his or her family,
    To society at large,
    And to our great nation."
  4. "Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it, it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."
  5. "You have never lived until
    You have almost died,
    And for those who choose to fight,
    Life has a special flavor,
    The protected will never know!!!"