UAE leaders help country mark Commemoration Day with tribute to hero soldiers
▶ President Sheikh Khalifa says sacrifice of soldiers inspires nation
President Sheikh Khalifa has led tributes from UAE leaders to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The UAE marks Commemoration Day today, an annual occasion that offers a chance to reflect on the achievements and sacrifices of those who dedicated themselves to protecting the Emirates at home and abroad.
The public has been asked to observe one minute of silent reflection at 11.30am to mark the sombre moment.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs will remain indelible in the conscience of the homeland and our national memory,” Sheikh Khalifa said in Nation Shield, the UAE Armed Forces’ magazine.
“Their heroic deeds go down in the annals of history as a source of inspiration to ensure our nation’s glory, stability and steady advances towards a brighter future.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the day symbolised the unity of the Emirati people.
“I call upon all citizens who know a martyr’s family to visit them and support them on this day, for it is a sorrowful day for them, as their feelings of loss are remembered,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“The families of martyrs have shown great courage, patience and awareness, underscoring their faith, and they have become a source of inspiration to everyone, to be dedicated in serving their country.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also paid tribute to those who lost their lives serving the UAE.
“The memory of our fallen heroes will remain a source of inspiration and their sacrifices remain imprinted on the hearts of our people, a shining model for the love of our nation,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“The names of our heroic martyrs, both military and civilian, will endure as a symbol of a glorious era in our history.”
Commemoration Day was first held in 2015 and November 30 was chosen because it was the date the first martyr, Salem Suhail bin Khamis, died in 1971 fighting against Iranian forces on Greater Tunb.
President Sheikh Khalifa has led tributes from UAE leaders to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The messages were issued on the eve of Commemoration Day, which is marked on November 30 each year.
The occasion offers a chance to reflect on the achievements and sacrifices of those who dedicated themselves to protecting the Emirates at home and abroad.
Sheikh Khalifa said their contributions to the progress of the UAE would never be forgotten.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs will remain indelible in the conscience of the homeland and our national memory,” Sheikh Khalifa said in a statement given to Nation Shield, the UAE Armed Forces’ magazine.
“Their heroic deeds go down in the annals of history as a source of inspiration to ensure our nation’s glory, stability and steady advances towards a brighter future.
“November 30 is a day of appreciation and loyalty, on which our nation – leadership and people – articulates with pride the values of sacrifice and our martyrs’ heroic deeds.
“The UAE flag is a symbol of strength, pride and invincibility. On this day our men and women express their deep thanks and gratitude to those who lost their very souls in protection of the sovereignty of our land.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said Commemoration Day symbolised the unity of the Emirati people and called on parents to share the significance of the occasion with the next generation.
“Sons and daughters of the UAE, I call upon you all, most notably our youth, to contemplate these blessed days and the sacrifices of our martyrs while they performed our duties, as well as our history, full of lessons and glories,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“I also call upon mothers and fathers to tell their sons and daughters the meaning of Commemoration Day, and about the men who sacrificed themselves to protect the country and its people, and about the patience of their families and their giving, loyalty and patriotism.”
Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the honour of serving in the armed forces and working to protect the nation.
He urged the public to offer their support to the families who lost loved ones in service of their country.
“I call upon all citizens who know a martyr’s family to visit them and support them on this day, for it is a sorrowful day for them, as their feelings of loss are remembered,” he said.
“The families of martyrs have shown great courage, patience and awareness, underscoring their faith, and they have become a source of inspiration to everyone, to be dedicated in serving their country.”
Sheikh Mohammed lauded efforts to honour their lives through the establishment of Wahat Al Karama memorial and the work of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives.
“The memory of our fallen heroes will remain a source of inspiration, and their sacrifices remain imprinted on the hearts of our people, a shining model for the love of our nation,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
“The names of our heroic martyrs, both military and civilian, will endure as a symbol of a glorious era in our history.
“No matter how many years pass, their memory becomes ever brighter, and we are keen to preserve this anniversary and keep it alive in the country’s memory and that of its people.”
He said the UAE would never forget their sacrifices.
“Instead, it remembers them all the time because they are present in the hearts of the people. Their memory will never fade, nor will their sacrifices be forgotten,” he said.