Martyrs’ families honored during National, Liberation days ceremony
KUWAIT: Author and researcher in the biography of Al-Sabah family members Abdullah Buwair hosted a celebration last Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the occasion of the 56th National Day and 26th Liberation Day. During the event, he honored the families of martyrs, in addition to a number of ambassadors and other personalities.
Sheikh Sabah Thamer Al-Sabah said that this occasion showed the love that the Kuwaiti people have towards their country. “We remember our martyrs who scarified their lives for our country. They are living in our minds in the form of memories. We will never forget them. We should always hold such events to tell new generations the heroic stories of the martyrs,” he noted.
Buwair presented a historical preview of the independence and liberation. “For 56 years we are celebrating the National Day on February 25 which was the day that then Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah assumed power, although the actual Independence Day took place on June 19, 1961 after the protection treaty with Great Britain was canceled and Kuwait became independent,” he explained.
He also spoke about the Iraqi Invasion. “On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait; an invasion that lasted for almost seven months. The Kuwaiti people resisted this occupation and stopped their daily life, by not going to schools or offices in protest. Many Kuwaitis were tortured, arrested and detained, and hundreds were killed. Today we remember this and it is our duty to honor the families of the brave heroes who protected our country,” added Buwair.
Mustafa Behbehani noted that nations choose important days to celebrate their history, and we in Kuwait celebrate the National and Liberation Days. “Former Amir of Kuwait late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem set democracy in Kuwait after adopting the constitution and establishing the parliament. The life of Kuwaitis changed during his reign as oil revenues were high, and new schools and hospitals were build. Late Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah also continued building the country, as well as his successors late Sheikh Jaber -Ahmad Al-Sabah and the present Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah,” he explained.
“The former Amir late Sheikh Jaber played a heroic role in liberating Kuwait. He brought the allied forces to liberate Kuwait and after the liberation, he worked on rebuilding and reconstructing Kuwait. The people of Kuwait were also compensated for the damages and loses during the invasion. We must remember the martyrs for the great role they played during this hard period,” Behbehani further said. A documentary about the national celebrations was presented. Sheikha Fariha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah concluded the ceremony by honoring diplomats.