 These are hallowed grounds that people tread with reverence and gratitude as they remember those who live eternally in another realm but are never too far from our thoughts. And memory pervades the collective consciousness of India. The wreath of remembrance with its gentle fragrance permeates the air as the memory of the martyrs suffuses the very soul of India. On behalf of a grateful nation, the Prime Minister pays homage to our brave martyrs. The buglers sounding the rouse, the guard commander ordering Salami Shastra marking the completion of the two-minute silence. When words stand still and hearts beat strong, a silent flame lifts into song, a billion prayers in reverence call, the silence quietly saying it all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi moving towards signing the ceremonial book, for penning his thoughts, his gratitude to the countless soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battle but continue to live in our hearts. Time leaves us with many things, stories, memories and heroes. It is indeed a point in time for the Prime Minister as the head of the government of the largest democracy in the world to lead the nation in paying homage to our heroes who laid down their lives so that our India may prosper and be home to generations of enlightened world citizens. We are proud of our men and women in uniform and the Prime Minister penning his thoughts. Our men and women in uniform keep watch even now at this moment over snowbound mountains, endless sandy dunes and our extensive coastlines standing tall and strong for the nation. They make us proud. In fact, the complete retheling ceremony by the Prime Minister here at the National War Memorial, a solemn and poignant one, a nation has different ways of recognizing and respecting sacrifice to pay homage to its warriors prior to celebrating our republic is a heartfelt way of showing reverence and days like today bring us together in our national consciousness and help us make the journey from me to we, from self to country.