SHEIKH KHALIFA AND LEADERS PAY TRIBUTE TO UNIFIED ARMED FORCES
▶ President salutes servicemen, who have contributed to preservation of the country’s peace, security and stability
President Sheikh Khalifa has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as the military celebrates 42 years since unification.
Speaking to the military journal Nation Shield, Sheikh Khalifa said May 6, 1976 was an important milestone in the UAE’s journey.
“A unified and highly qualified army is a source of reassurance, and a fundamental component in building the state and deepening the values of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the leadership,’’ he said in remarks that were reported by the state news agency, Wam.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai also paid tribute to the military, as did Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Rulers of Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Sheikh Khalifa highlighted the importance of the development of the country’s Armed Forces.
“As our country celebrates the 42nd anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, we salute and express our great and sincere pride and appreciation for the efforts and the sacrifices you have made,” he said.
“This includes elevating the capabilities of our Armed Forces, defending the homeland and safeguarding the achievements of its people which, as a result, has become an oasis of security and stability, a model of development and prosperity.
“My sons and daughters, we are proud of you. You have contributed strongly to the preservation of peace, security and stability of the homeland and you have sacrificed your lives for the sake of the truth, in support of legitimacy, in combating terrorism and in preserving regional and international peace.
“On this anniversary, which coincides with our country’s celebration of the Year of Zayed, we pray to Allah Almighty to have mercy on the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and on his brothers, the co-founders of the union, who laid the solid foundations of this strong national army,” Sheikh Khalifa said.
“We also pray to Almighty Allah to have mercy on the martyrs’ souls and to grant them eternal peace in heaven and to
bless their families with comfort and solace.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the anniversary came at a special time with the Year of Zayed.
“The Founding Father was the driving force behind the unification decision,” he said. “He was the commander who laid the foundations for building our national army and tirelessly observed their development until the last day of his life.”
Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the unstable regional environment in which the military were bravely battling.
“Some parties are unscrupulously waging direct wars, while others are launching proxy wars,” he said. “This is in addition to what is known as the fourth-generation warfare, now seen across different media organs and social media platforms.
“We have experienced periods of war and turmoil before the establishment of our state, and we have always succeeded in protecting our homeland from their perils.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said the UAE military, as “guardians of the nation”, play a vital role in a turbulent and dangerous regional environment.
The Crown Prince said the role of the military in Yemen highlighted their deeply embedded values of heroism, dedication and sacrifice.
“We in the UAE do not forget the sacrifices made for the sake of our nation and we have honoured their memory,” he said.
Since unification, the Armed Forces have played a major humanitarian role across the globe. An ongoing exhibition at Dubai’s Etihad museum entitled Protectors of the Nation: Sacrifice and Giving looks at military deployments in Kosovo, Lebanon, Somalia and Kuwait.