Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: On the Occasion of 73rd Independence Day, members of Catholic Action League (CAL) organized Soldiers Day at Bendur parish mini hall.
Parish priest Fr Vincent Monteiro, assistant parish priest, Fr Rohan Dias and Fr Nelson Peris, parish council secretary, Mavis Rodrigues, CAL animator, Sujith Noronha, ICYM central council president Leon Saldanha, CAL president, Stephen Veigas were present.
Riva D'Souza was the MC of the programme.
CAL secretary Carol Lobo welcomed the gathering.
10 soldiers from the parish, Maxim Benedict Monteiro, Robert Pinto, G P Mascarenhas, Henry Pinto, John Gregory Dalmeida, Percival J C, Ozzy Pais, Daniel Dominic D'Souza, Clifford D'Souza and Norbert D'Souza were honoured for their noble service and dedication to the country.
CAL members Neil Nazreth and Nihal Rego introduced the soldiers to the gathering. This was followed by a cake cutting ceremony by the dignitaries. Patriotic songs were sung by the CAL members in honor of the soldiers.
Later, two of the soldiers G P Mascarenhas and Oswald Pais came forward to share their experiences. Also, parish council secretary being a proud mother of a soldier shared her experience.
Later, Rohan appreciated the dedication and service of all the soldiers. He also appreciated the efforts made by the CAL members for organising Soldiers' Day.
Finally, Preetham Gomes delivered the vote of thanks. The programme ended with a group picture.