“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of unwavering patriotism, extraordinary bravery, valour and determination of our armed forces and on this historic day every Indian remembers the sacrifices of our brave soldiers with a sense of gratitude,” Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said while presiding over the State level Kargil Vijay Diwas function held at Hamirpur and paid tributes to the martyrs of Kargil War. He said that Kargil war was a symbol of bravery, courage and sacrifice of our armed forces as they fought valiantly in extremely harsh conditions to defend our motherland. He said that presently there were about 1.25 lakh ex-servicemen, 923 Veer Naris and 37,659 widows of ex-servicemen in the State, adding that in Hamirpur district alone there were 19,550 ex-servicemen, 161 Veer Naris and the State is proud of its 4 Param Vir Chakra, 2 Ashok Chakra, 11 Mahavir Chakra and 23 Kirti Chakra winners. Apart from this, 1107 soldiers are honored by various medals, he added.