Losing a loved one is the most painful thing I can think of, and unfortunately, all of us have to go through it at some point in our lives. But, no one can understand the extremities of that loss like the people who work in the Defence, and their families do. 

Yesterday, the last rites of Squadron leader Siddharth Vashisht, who died in a Mi-17 chopper crash in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district, were performed with full military honours in Chandigarh. His family, including his wife Squadron Leader Aarti Singh and other fellow officers, were present to bid farewell and mourn the loss.

His wife stood in full uniform as his father lit the funeral pyre. The Air Force personnel present gave a gun salute in the presence of officials from the IAF, the civil administration and all the people who turned up to pay their last respects.

People couldn't help but salute Squadron Leader Aarti Singh's bravery at this difficult time while mourning for him. Her head was held high, as she clutched the tricolour to her chest, and the internet hailed her stoic spirit. 

This is Squadron Leader Aarti Singh, wife of Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht who was pilot of the Mi-17 that crashed in Budgam on Wednesday. He was cremated in Chandigarh today. RIP. pic.twitter.com/UUMeT120Id

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 1, 2019

Salute to d family n mam Aarti Singh u r really strong woman.. Thousand of salutes for u mam.. RIP Squadron leader Siddhartha vashisht.. Y desh sda aapka karazdaar rhega.. ððððð jai hind #SiddharthVashisht @narendramodi @thekiranbedi

— Ritu Rohilla (@7febRitu) March 2, 2019

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and Squadron Leader Aarti Singh, two army personnel who earned the utmost respect of every individual.

RIP Wing Commander Siddharth Vashisht, civilians killed due to cease fire violation in Poonch and Other Martyrs of Kupwara Encounter. pic.twitter.com/CADh5xAyee

— Ravi Jadav (@ravijadav94) March 2, 2019

Heart felt condolences for your loss, squadron leader Aarti Singh. ð

RIP #SiddharthVashist ð
Nation salutes your Courage & Sacrifice.

— விà®à®¯à¯ (@vijaytwitts) March 2, 2019

Another most moving picture of the day...Squadron Leader Aarti Singh, wife of Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht...standing with the poise that only a few possess! #Salute pic.twitter.com/S1kRzva91D

— aditi avasthi (@avasthiaditi) March 1, 2019

We salute to our hero
Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht who was the pilot of the Mi-17 helicopter that crashed in Budgam,J&K on February 27 was cremated in Chandigarh earlier today. (In pic 1: his wife Squadron Leader Aarti Singh holding the folded tricolour)@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/NfC0xrodBc

— Vattsalya Upadhyay (@vattsalya) March 1, 2019

India will always remember your martyrdom Hero #SiddharthVashisht.
Squadron Leader Aarti Singh, wife of Squadron Leader #SiddharthVashisht who was pilot of the #Mi17 @IAF_MCC that crashed in.
I pray to God  to give you and family the power to bear this suffer.
ðð pic.twitter.com/4Hp19u6cFd

— Natin Singh (@natinsingh7) March 1, 2019

Salute to Squadron Leader Siddhart Vashishth. And may God give strength of Squadron Leader Aarti Singh! Such a sad loss for India. RIP ððpic.twitter.com/iH9dyOC6nz

— Amit Panchal (@AmitHPanchal) March 1, 2019

Squadron Leader Aarti Singh, wife of Squadron Leader Siddharth Vashisht who was pilot of the Mi-17 that crashed in Budgam on Wednesday. cremated in Chandigarh.  We welcome #Abhinandan, let us not forget the sacrifices of the 6 Defence Personnel who we lost in the Mi-17 crash. pic.twitter.com/yJZ5VCWci4

— Pinank Paleja (@metcoexport) March 1, 2019