'We are a nation that treasures the value of sacrifice' 

On the occasion of Commemoration Day, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has pledged to the families of the nation's martyrs that they will continue to receive the utmost care and full support of the nation, "Because we are a nation that treasures the value of sacrifice and never forgets those who devoted their lives and offered their precious blood to keep the nation's flag flying high."

In a statement given to Nation Shield, the Armed Forces magazine, Shaikh Khalifa added that these sacrifices will only increase "Our resolve, strength, solidarity and cohesion to defend this country."

To sacrifice oneself for the sake of the nation represents the ultimate dedication, devotion and loyalty; it is an unparalleled, ultimate sacrifice and an invaluable gift, the statement said. 

For that, the heroism showed by our martyrs – civilians or servicemen – will remain engraved in the nation's memory and immortal in our conscience. These sacrifices are prestigious medals of pride and glory. The sacrifices of our people will only increase our resolve, strength, solidarity and cohesion to defend this country, which our fathers founded on the values of sacrifice, magnanimity, advocacy of that which is right and standing with the oppressed.

Read the full text of Shakh Khalifa's statement


UAE's martyrs have set a magnificent example: Shaikh Mohammad 

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said in his statement that Commemoration Day is an occasion to pay homage to the bravery of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, defending the sovereignty of their nation. 

In a statement to Dira'a Al Watan, Nation Shield magazine, Shaikh Mohammad said, "The UAE's martyrs have set a magnificent example of sacrifices that entrust us with a great responsibility to preserve our unity and become more committed and dedicated to continue the drive of evolving our beloved homeland," adding that since the establishment of the Union in 1971, the UAE has made myriad and widely-coveted achievements, the most notable of which is instilling national pride in generations of Emiratis capable of giving and sacrificing their lives to keep the flag of their nation flying high in pride and dignity.

"On this glorious day, we reiterate our firm determination to follow in their footsteps, ensure synergy across all State sectors and continue our efforts to ensure that their sacrifices, which will remain indelible in the annals of history, will continue to serve the supreme interests of our homeland," he said. "We bow in respect for the souls of our brave, heroic martyrs; whose names will live eternally as martyrs of honour, courage and patriotism."

"Our martyrs have set a magnificent example of sacrifices that entrust us with a great responsibility to preserve our unity and become more committed and dedicated to continue the drive of evolving our beloved homeland," Shaikh Mohammad added.

Read the full statement here


Nations are built on citizens’ loyalty: Mohammad Bin Zayed

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.”

Read full statement here


Commemoration Day celebrates glory of the nation: Shaikh Sultan

His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has said that Commemoration Day, marked on 30th November, is an occasion to express our pride in what the sons of this country have done in defence of the nation and for raising its national flag high. It is a day to celebrate the glory of the nation with the most glorious images of sacrifice, he said.

In a statement to Dira'a Al Watan, Nation Shield magazine, Shaikh Sultan said that Commemoration Day is an opportunity to honour and pay profound gratitude and reverence to the heroes of national duty who wrote with their pure blood the epic of dignity and glory.

"On the occasion, we affirm that the anniversary of our martyrs will remain alive and fresh in the memory of generations and immortal in the conscience of our people," Shaikh Sultan added. 

The Day, he said, represents a new day in our history to show appreciation of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and all that is precious for their country and showed that nothing is more precious than the nation, a day that represent the Martyrs' sacrifice for the sake of their future and the hope for the country to be the most beautiful homeland. 

Read the full text of the statement


Day embodies principles of nation, says Humaid

Ajman: His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has said that Commemoration Day, marked on November 30, is an occasion in which the UAE expresses its appreciation for the sacrifices of its martyrs in defence of their homeland and to remember their timeless names with pride and honour.

In a statement to Dira’a Al Watan, Nation Shield magazine, on the occasion, Shaikh Humaid said Commemoration Day is an opportunity to express the true interdependence between the nation, the leadership and the people. It is a day, Shaikh Humaid said, to remember the heroines of our heroes and sons.

Shaikh Humaid added, “Commemoration Day embodies all the principles that the nation is working to consolidate in our society — solidarity and unity, and collective action for the advancement of our nation at various levels.

“The occasion also represents a day of eternal patriotism and the highest form of sacrifice for the sake of the homeland.

“It is a matter of pride for us to witness the honouring of the martyrs of the homeland in recognition and appreciation of their sacrifices and acts of patriotism, as they represent an immortal example of national unity and belonging.

“They have raised the banner of the UAE and their names have become immortal in our hearts and in the hearts of their beloved ones and their people.

“On this day, we thank our armed forces who are vigilant for the security of the homeland. We commend their pride, steadfastness and courage in dignity and their noble sacrifices. Our armed forces have provided relief to the victims of wars and disasters, providing humanitarian assistance to those in need, sheltering refugees from war, treating the wounded, and re-establishing life in war-torn countries.

“On Commemoration Day, we are proud of our armed forces, which have integrated modern equipment, benefiting from the full support of our wise leadership in terms of organisation, arming and training to cope with various military strategies and technological development worldwide.

“The directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the special patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to establish the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court reflects the great appreciation of our wise leadership for our martyrs and their families.

The Ruler of Ajman concluded by praying to Allah Almighty to rest the martyrs’ souls in Paradise and to grant solace and patience to their families.

Read the full text of the statement


Hamad: Martyrs sacrificed their lives fighting for truth

Fujairah: His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has said that Commemoration Day is a great occasion dedicated to remembering the nation’s martyrs who have sacrificed their lives fighting to uphold the truth and standing by their brothers to protect the security of their land.

In a statement given to the Nation Shield, the Armed Forces’ magazine, Shaikh Hamad said that the UAE leaders seek to embed the values of humanity in the hearts of the nation’s sons and daughters, along with a sense of readiness to sacrifice to restore legitimacy to its rightful owners, as well as a desire to answer the call of duty, to combat terrorism and to fight falsehoods.

“November 30 of every year is a great occasion dedicated to remembering the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting to uphold the truth, standing by their brothers to protect the security of their land.

The UAE, led by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates, seek to embed the values of humanity in the hearts of the nation’s sons and daughters, along with a readiness to sacrifice to restore legitimacy to its rightful owners, to answer the call of duty, to combat terrorism and to fight falsehoods.

There are no lives more precious than those of our nation’s sons, who have made the greatest sacrifice possible, who demonstrated their bravery and courage in the field, and showed to the whole world the noble values of nobility, humanity, belonging and loyalty to this nation which they carried in their souls.

Unquestionably, the UAE stands shoulder to shoulder with its sisterly allies in Operation Decisive Storm. This is a sign of the keenness of the wise leadership of the UAE to follow in the footsteps of the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the path of unity and cohesion between its brothers and sisters, and to strive to preserve the achievements of the homeland and uphold its banner, all these while believing in this path, which is rooted in strength and determination.”

Read the full text of the statement


Martyrs and their families have set a benchmark for loyalty: Saud Bin Rashid

Umm Al Quwain: His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said that the proud celebration of the nation’s martyrs on this day is a tribute to all its heroes — the brave heroes of the past and those who are still carrying out their duties within the country and abroad, in various sectors. They have, he said, become role models across many fields, including in military and humanitarian work.

In a statement released on the occasion of the UAE’s Commemoration (Martyrs’) Day, marked on November 30, the Ruler also said that the service and sacrifice of the nation’s martyrs, their families, and children have set a benchmark for the concepts of loyalty and national duty.

“With full pride and in acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the nation, we stand today in honour of those who have sacrificed their lives in defence of the homeland ... And of those who have vowed to the wise leadership, led by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his brothers, the founding fathers, to be a ‘sturdy fence’ protecting this precious nation, joined in a common destiny and in national sacrifice, raising the UAE banner full of pride for their country and its loyal sons and daughters, and preserving the covenant of the founding fathers, led by the founding leader, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“Our proud celebration of the nation’s martyrs on November 30 each year is a tribute to all our heroes who are performing their duties nationally and abroad, across all sectors, until they have become role models in the military, civil and humanitarian fields.”

The martyrs of the nation, along with their children, their parents, and wives, have set a national example, an exemplary model for the concept of loyalty and belonging, and demonstrated a real translation of national duty.

“I call on Allah Almighty to embrace the righteous martyrs in His mercy and accept them in Paradise.”

Read the full text of the statement


UAE unites to appreciate the martyrs, Saud Bin Saqr says

Ras Al Khaimah: His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has said that Commemoration Day, marked on November 30, presents a shining image which reflects acts of heroism and sacrifice of the brave Emirati martyrs.

In a statement to Dira’a Al Watan, Nation Shield magazine, on the occasion, Shaikh Saud said that the day reflects Emiratis’ appreciation for the sacrifices of the martyrs to defend the country’s gains and to keep the UAE’s flag high in the sky.

“The sacrifices made by the UAE martyrs throughout its glorious history emphasise their commitment to develop the country and to preserve and defend its dignity, whatever be the cost,” said Shaikh Saud.

He added, “Commemoration Day is the day of pride, dignity, solidarity, and of support for the homeland and justice and of appreciation for the sacrifices of the brave Emirati martyrs. It is the day when the UAE unites to show appreciation for the martyrs.

“On this occasion, we appreciate the enormous and dedicated attention paid by the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members the Rulers of the Emirates to the task of building modern and sophisticated armed forces to defend the homeland.

“Commemoration Day is one on which to mark self-sacrifice, and the leadership will spare no effort to support and provide care for the families of the martyrs,” the RAK Ruler added.

Shaikh Saud concluded by praying to Allah Almighty to rest the martyrs’ souls in Paradise and to grant solace and patience to their families. Their patriotic deeds, he said, will remain in the memory of generations.

Read the full text of the statement