Know why Meghalaya celebrates 'Garo Labour Corps Day' on October 16

SHILLONG: Today, the entire state of Meghalaya is celebrating Garo Labour Corps Day in honour of the bravery of Garo men of yore.

So why is it celebrated?

On this day, Meghalaya salutes and pay homage to the 500 Garo men, who were recruited by the British 96 years ago in 1917 in the 69th Garo Labour Corps. The selected men were sent to France to help the Allied forces during the War.

These recruits from the State made roads and carried goods during the war at different places in France like Puisieux, Bucquoy, La Chapellette, Brusle and others.

The handful of Garo recruits returned safely after serving the allied forces fighting the war at the frontlines way back in 1919. This year marks the 103rd year anniversary of this special event.

To mark the occasion, tributes were paid at the cenotaph built in the memory of the Garo soldiers at Tura, the headquarters of West Garo Hill district.

Garo Labour Corps Day is celebrated on July 16 because on this day, the Garo men returned to India at Tura in Meghalaya from Mersailles in France.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma today led the State in paying tributes to the World War I heroes on Garo Labour Corps Day.

"Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the 70th Garo Labour Corps Day in honour of the bravery of our

#Garo

 

class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> forefathers who offered their service in

#WorldWarI

  class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> in France. #GaroLabourCorpsDay,"he wrote.

 

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