New Delhi: Setting a new tradition, President A P J Abdul Kalam, also the supreme commander of the armed forces, on the eve of the Independence Day on August 14, paid homage to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation in various wars.

Kalam became the first President since Independence to lay a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate at a ceremonial function.

Traditionally, it is the Prime Minister who lays the wreath at the memorial to the soldiers on the Republic Day.

Departing from the normal tradition, Kalam had expressed his desire to pay homage to soldiers on the eve of the Independence Day.

Kalam was escorted by Defence Minister George Fernandes and service chiefs Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswami and General N C Vij as he laid the wreath at the memorial to set off the 57th Independence Day celebrations.

Before the President walked off to lay the wreath, a tri-service contingent presented him the guard of honour and later reversed arms as buglers sounded the last post.

According to Army sources, the wreath laying by the President on August 14 will henceforth become an annual feature.

Also present on the occasion were Ministers of state for Defence O Rajagopal and Chaman Lal, besides senior services top brass and nearly 400 school children.

PTI