Remembering martyrs, their sacrifice and valour

It is a special day for the people of the UAE as they remember those who gave their lives for the sake of humanity and peace. The UAE has been involved in efforts to bring about stability in the region — Lebanon in 1980, the Gulf War in 1990 and the ongoing war in Yemen where several Emirati men have lost their lives. It was on November 30 that the first Emirati martyr, Salem Suhail bin Khamis, laid down his life in the battle for the Greater Tunb island way back in 1971. In remembrance of this, in 2015, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, decreed that November 30 be observed as Martyrs’ Day (changed to Commemoration Day in 2017) — to remember not just Salem Suhail bin Khamis but all those who gave their lives to defend the dignity and glory of their homeland. As opposed to National Day on December 2 which calls for celebrations, this is a day to remember and honour the martyrs, a day to show we have not forgotten them, their sacrifice or their families, and a day when we — residents and citizens — are reminded to be respectful.

A day for martyrs speaks of the importance attributed to them in Emirati culture. Coming a day before celebrating the Union, Commemoration Day speaks of the importance of peace to the nation where the values of righteousness and justice gain importance as opposed to the oppression. “Our fundamental principles and priorities won’t change; we will continue to champion peace, development and co-existence with other cultures and beliefs,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to mark the occasion. So, let all of us from over 190 different countries living in the UAE join as one to express pride in what the martyrs have done to defend the nation and uphold its security. They are the real role models whose valour is worthy of emulation.