Abu Dhabi: Commemoration Day is an occasion of pride, loyalty and patriotism in the UAE, said His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In a statement issued to mark the day, Shaikh Mohammad said, “Commemoration Day is an occasion where the people of the UAE stand together to remember our heroic martyrs who sacrificed their own lives for their country.”
Shaikh Mohammad continued by saying, “Nations are built on the shoulders of the citizens and thrive on their love, loyalty, determination and sacrifices. There is no greater sacrifice than that of those who offer their own lives for their country. The more this spirit prevails, the stronger the country becomes.”
Shaikh Mohammad added, “We in the UAE, under the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are very proud of our children who never hesitated to answer their country’s call of duty and whose gallantry astonished not only friends but also enemies. They demonstrated the real personality of the Emirati citizens who will always stand in the face of anyone trying to undermine their country’s unity, national fabric or interests.”
He said the decision by Shaikh Khalifa to observe Commemoration Day on November 30 each year, shows how the UAE values its citizens who sacrificed their lives for their country and its keenness to make their epic heroism immortal, to ensure that future generations will always remember their noble deeds.
“The heroic sacrifices of our hero martyrs emanated from the deep-rooted Emirati traditions and translated the set of values, founded by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the founding fathers. Those values have come to fruition, with our heroes giving an example of resolve and persistence in defending the oppressed, helping brothers and ensuring their security and stability,” he added.
He also said that the sacrifices of the UAE martyrs proved the depth of the country’s commitment to its Arab roots and its endeavours to see brotherly countries safe, secure and stable.
“Our martyrs’ blood will not be shed in vain,” Shaikh Mohammad continued. “Along with their Arab brothers, they played a decisive role in changing the course of the region, which was heading for chaos, terrorism and destruction, to the road of stability, construction and protection from sectarian and terrorist militias with suspicious agendas against the people of the region.”
Shaikh Mohammad applauded the support shown by the UAE people to the armed forces, which, he said, will always be the strong arm that will strike those who seek to undermine their country’s unity and achievements. He also commended the solidarity shown with the families of the martyrs, reflecting the cohesion of the Emirati society.”
Shaikh Mohammad saluted the mothers and fathers of the martyrs, who had raised them in the values of sacrifice, selflessness, loyalty and allegiance to their country.
“The mothers and fathers of the martyrs have demonstrated their true loyalty and love for their country by pledging to continue their sacrifices if the need arises. This spirit makes us more determined to achieve the goals for which our martyrs sacrificed their lives, and to build a better future for our citizens.”
Addressing the families of the martyrs, Shaikh Mohammad said, “My message to you today is that the UAE leadership is proud of you as much as it is proud of your children, the martyrs. You are a symbol of the UAE people’s determination and patriotism. Without your efforts in instilling the values of patriotism and bravery in your children, we would not be holding our heads high today in pride of our gallant martyrs, and we would not be striding confidently towards a brighter future.”
Shaikh Mohammad reaffirmed the keen desire of the UAE leadership to provide all forms of support to the families of the martyrs, saying the UAE will never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs and will always remain grateful to them.
He concluded his statement by praying to Allah the Almighty to safeguard the UAE and to bestow his mercy on the souls of the martyrs and to reward their sacrifices with Paradise.
