'We wholly revere martyrs’ devotion’
ABU DHABI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has said that the UAE leaders, while seeking to preserve in immortal memory the sacrifices of their heroes and honour their devotion in heeding the call of duty, will continue to wholeheartedly support and stand by their families.
“As words are not powerful enough to indicate the sublime status of martyrs, we will remain forever indebted to those who have responded to the call to pay the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the homeland, their sanctities and national gains,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement to ‘Nation Shield’ magazine on the occasion of the Commemoration Day.
NATIONAL GAINS
“The assigning by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of November 30th as the Commemoration Day is an indication of the paramount importance of martyrdom in the Emirati culture. It’s the day when the irst Emirati citizen in the modern era gave his life for the sake of his homeland and its national gains. A day observed on the eve of our celebration of the establishment of our Union to echo the values of patriotism and belonging that our dignified martyrs embodied, in defending the dignity and preserve the glory of their homeland. A day that inculcates the values of righteousness and justice, and the principles of opposition to oppression that our martyrs steadfastly upheld.
“As we observe a minute of silence in honour of our martyrs, I can hear the echo of this silence in the innerself of our sons and daughters and sense their willingness to offer their very souls in defence of their nation’s security and stability. I can sense their determination to spare no effort and leave no stone unturned to preserve the dignity of their nation and keep our lag lying high in glory.”
LOYALTY TO HOMELAND
Speaking to the country’s Armed Forces’ magazine, Sheikh Mohammed said, “To all our soldiers, and all those who served in our military ranks, I say that your brothers who sacrificed their lives on battlegrounds have placed laurel wreaths around your heads. I also say to them you have proved your worth by demonstrating your loyalty to your homeland and by fulfilling the ambitions and vision of your leadership and people.
“You deserve the sublime status of which you’re proud of. Our Armed Forces are ensuring stability, security and assurance for our citizens and residents, underpinning our confidence in our present and future, and instilling hope in the hearts of every Arab citizen and in every human being that aspires for justice, security and peace.”
Sheikh Mohammed added that the nation “recalls with utmost pride and appreciation the noble sacrifices made by our martyrs and we deeply revere their devotion in heeding the call of duty, in order to safeguard the prosperity and stability of their homeland.”
The UAE Armed Forces will continue to serve as the shield of the nation, Sheikh Mohammed said, safeguarding “our national unity and preserves our Arab and Islamic heritage. They will continue to protect the legacy of our ancestors who strived to survive all challenges and make their dreams come true.”