Sacrifices will make us stronger, united

abu dhabi — The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has said that November 30 is a day to treasure the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to the homeland.

He said that the nation will never forget the servicemen who offered their lives and blood on the battlegrounds of justice.

Sheikh Khalifa’s statement to

Nation Shield magazine on Commemoration Day is as follows:

“The 30th of November, which our nation marks annually as Commemoration Day, is a day to treasure the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to the homeland. The nation, both leadership and people, will never forget our servicemen who offered their lives and blood on the battlegrounds of justice, right, duty and pride in defence of the Union, safeguarding its sovereignty and preserving its achievements, so as to keep aloft the flag of the UAE as a symbol of strength, dignity, protection and glory.

“On this day, we pledge to our martyrs — civilian or military — that we will hold their sacrifices as medals of dignity and honour, and will cherish their souls as lamps that light up the path ahead for future generations. We will also hold them as role models for love and defence of the nation. Their families and children will receive the highest care and assistance from the state.

“On this glorious national occasion, we call upon the citizens of the UAE to keep the noble values of sacrifice as a living, enduring role model in their life and to excel in performing their work, as great nations are built by science, creativity, achievement, leadership, determination, sincere dedication and ultimate sacrifices. There is no life without dignity and there is no dignity without sacrifices.

“Sacrifices will only make us stand more steadfast, united and strong in defence of the state that our forefathers founded on the values of dedication, sacrifice, giving and generosity. On this immortal day, we salute the soldiers, officers and commanders of our gallant Armed Forces and all personnel of our other security agencies. We also salute Emirati citizens, especially those who are performing their security and humanitarian duties within the UAE and abroad.

“Let us hoist our national flag high and offer everything that is dear and precious for its sake and well-being,” Sheikh Khalifa concluded. —

On this glorious national occasion, we call upon the citizens of the UAE to keep the noble values of sacrifice as a living, enduring role model in their life.”

Sheikh Khalifa