Up to the challenge
“We have to honour our martyrs as other countries do [theirs]. Our young boys sacrificed their lives for the country and we must not forget them when the war is over or only remember them when we need them. It is an important decision to honour our martyrs by dedicating a day to them, November 30. We are a peaceful nation, but when it comes to defending our principles, we are up to the challenge. We believe in our leadership and their vision, and this war in Yemen has made us strong internally, highlighting our solidarity. With the hope of peace prevailing in Yemen soon and a victorious outcome, we are happy to welcome our boys back home. My deepest sympathies to the parents who lost their sons, to wives who lost their husbands, and to children who lost their fathers.”
Jalal Mohammad, 55, government employee
They should never be forgotten
“It is our patriotic duty to celebrate our martyrs because they are the men who sacrificed their lives for the country in the war in Yemen, and they should never be forgotten, especially with what has been happening in the region recently. This year, November 30 will be a very important occasion to mark because it is the first time in UAE history that we will have a day dedicated to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for this country, as well as for us. The honour and bravery of our troops have made all of us proud to be Emiratis, and our prayers go out to the martyrs’ families for their courage and patriotism in such times.”
Khalid Al Hammadi, 37, employee in recruitment field
A reminder of how precious life is
“As people of the nation, we feel proud of the martyrs because of the sacrifices they have made for the country. On this occasion, the entire country should come together to pay respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and their blood. This day symbolises the loss of human life, and serves as a reminder to us all of how precious life is, and to remember the patriotic soldiers who fought until death for a just and noble cause. As humans, it is our duty to stand together and support one another. November 30 is a historic day in our county’s history and should not be a sad occasion but a day where we can all feel proud, because our martyrs deserve to be honoured and remain in the memory of our nation forever.”
Badr Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, 27, calibration engineer
Reminder about patriotism
“Celebrating Commemoration Day is a reminder to us all about the patriotism and courage that our soldiers have, and the sacrifices they have made for this country. On a day like this I cannot help but feel a sense of overwhelming pride in my country, for the martyrs who lost their lives, and for fighting for a just cause. I am very proud to be an Emirati, and realise that I am witnessing history as this is the first time that we, as a nation, are celebrating our martyrs. Dedicating a day to martyrs is important because future generations will also mark this occasion, and we will never forget the brave individuals who lost their lives, not only in Yemen, but throughout the history [of the UAE].”
Fatima Yasser Al Daheri, 15, student
Heartfelt gesture
“Our army personnel laid down their lives for a cause that affects not only Yemen but the UAE, as well as all Arab countries, because we are all brothers. Our leaders sent our troops there, who gave their lives for a noble cause. This was a heartfelt gesture and I am proud of them all. The martyrs left their wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters behind for this cause, and for that, we should be grateful to them. One of the martyrs was a school friend of mine and I am so proud to have known such an honourable man. This day [November 30] is an important event for all nationalities to remember, as this occasion marks the first one of its kind in the UAE. Commemoration Day will be an integral part of UAE’s legacy as it reflects how our country supports and assists others in need, whether it be in providing troops, distributing medical care, building schools or providing financial assistance.”
Adel Al Hammadi, 36, employee in semipublic sector
Brave souls
“Commemoration Day is a day of joy and not sadness. We celebrate the achievements of our martyrs and their heroism as they gave their blood for the sake of the nation and to maintain the sanctities of our religion and culture. They sacrificed themselves and led the way for other Emirati youth to follow their legacy — to defend sovereignty and independence and protect national and cultural gains of the homeland as well as the principles of justice and peace. Today is meant to pay respect to these brave souls to ensure that they and their families know that the country has not forgotten them and will remain forever indebted to them for their valour and ultimate sacrifice.”
Abdullah Bin Qaser Al Dara’ai, Emirati poet
Values of dedication
“Commemoration Day is to recognise the sacrifices and dedication of our martyrs, who have given up their lives in the UAE and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service. It is a national occasion and all Emiratis and residents will proudly recall the values of dedication, diligence and loyalty shown by the Emirati heroes who put their lives on the line in the field of battle and where their services are needed.
There is no higher sacrifice than giving up your life for your country. So, commemorating this selfless, brave act is part of showing appreciation for those who protect us and our country. We are grateful to our leadership as they have shown the greatest respect and gratitude to our martyrs.”
Saeed Rashid Al Sheihi, Emirati teacher based in Ras Al Khaimah
Their sacrifice will be a landmark
“Commemoration Day is a great way to remember our country’s heroes. The news of our leaders dedicating this day to them brings joy to my heart as well as to the hearts of the martyrs’ families. This day will be an everlasting occasion of remembrance for those who laid down their lives for their homeland. They’ll always be remembered by their brethren and their sacrifice will be a landmark in our nation’s beloved history that was built on a foundation of unity, togetherness and pride. We thank our Rulers for setting aside a day to mark the occasion. Now we have a day devoted to celebrating their bravery.”
Saif Ali Saif Al Habssi, from Ras Al Khaimah.
(His uncle, Fahim Saeed Al Habssi, was a martyr from RAK who is survived by his wife and five children.)
