The shrill and mournful cry of a eagle perched on the roof of the apartment next to ours pierced my ears and stirred my heart as i entered my flat at noon.It was looking steadily towards East and at times North and at times at Southern direction.It kept emitting its mournful cry for 10 minutes .
I instantly remembered with sadness that the only surviving pilot of the horrible helicopter crash had passed away the day before.
I remember hearing its mournful cry the day after the chief of defense along with his wife and several other defense personnels died burning in a helicopter that had crashed here,in Tamil Nadu.
I felt terrible that the chief, a man from snow capped Himalayas up North had to meet his untimely end here deep down South.
It was heartening to note that people from all walks of life had lined the streets for nearly50 kms to have a glimpse of the ambulances transporting the mortal remains of the brave men who guard us., so as to pay their respects and to register their gratitude .
On the day of the funeral the most impactful event was the gun salute.The rhythmatic loading of cannons by smartly dressed cool headed young men and the sound of its booming blast ,that covered the entire area with thick clouds of smoke, gave a glimpse of the life army men lead , the life of constant flirtation with death, which the CDS and others accompanying him would have led.
A befitting tribute to the defenders of this country for protecting us till their last breath.
