Abu Dhabi: The nation’s martyrs will remain in the memory of generations and immortal in the conscience of the UAE people, said President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In a statement released on the occasion of the second Commemoration Day on November 30, Shaikh Khalifa said, “We, in our unified house, are capable of preserving and protecting the nation, which our forefathers founded on the values of charity, generosity, advocating for what is right, and standing with the oppressed.
“Our martyrs will also remain as a source of dignity, glory, and a beacon for generations, and their families and children will receive from us and from the state and community full care and attention.
“We confirm that the nation will never forget those who offered their blood and lives in defence of the nation.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs will further solidify our will, determination, strength, cohesion and solidarity.
On this day, we salute our proud people, our soldiers, officers and commanders of the UAE Armed Forces, who are stationed in the battlefields of honour and dignity in the defence of the nation and state, for raising its national flag high.”
Mohammad Bin Rashid
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid tributes to those who have sacrificed their lives defending the nation,
In a statement to Dira’a Al Watan (Nation Shield) magazine on the occasion of the UAE’s second Commemoration Day, Shaikh Mohammad said: “Today, we gather as leaders and peoples of the nation to salute our heroes, to honour their memory, and to also remind everyone that their sacrifices will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds.”
Shaikh Mohammad added: “Our martyrs’ loved ones are just as precious to us as our own, and their noble goals, for which they have sacrificed their lives, will be held as a badge of honour until the end of time.
“We all stand today, on this occasion, in reverence of those who have pledged their lives in support of the homeland and the nation.”
Shaikh Mohammad said: “We, today, also greet and express appreciation, pride and gratitude to our valiant security and relief forces, and civil protection personnel, for all their efforts and vigilance in ensuring the security of the citizens, residents and visitors of this country.
“We also rally around the families of our martyrs, embracing their sons and daughters, and comforting their parents and spouses. We reiterate our promise to continue to care for them, and ensure their comfort. We further ask God Almighty to compensate them for their loss and for their unlimited patience.
“I would like to thank my sons and daughters for commemorating this day in a way that befits the sacrifices of our heroes. I would like to also express my thanks and appreciation to the father of the martyrs, my brother, Shaikh Khalifa, for his continued efforts and his full embrace of our martyrs,” he added.
In conclusion, the Vice-President said, “Also, to my brother, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for his good graces towards his martyr siblings, and for his appreciation and personal attention, ensuring that their families and children are well looked after.”
Mohammad Bin Zayed
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the UAE has forged its way into existence through meticulous planning, hard work and unceasing sacrifices.
Marking the Commemoration Day is a gesture of respect and appreciation for the families of the martyrs, and an expression of commitment that the UAE stands by its people at all costs, he said.
In a statement to Dira’a Al Watan (Nation Shield) magazine on the occasion of Commemoration Day, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed said observing this day is a reflection of our leadership’s deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by our martyrs, stressing that they died to defend the values, protect the homeland and to help a brother in need and to restore justice.
“Every year on November 30, the people of the UAE solemnly observe the Commemoration Day. As we remember our martyrs today, we are reminded that as a nation we are united by our abiding love of our motherland as much as by our absolute commitment to our values of peace and tolerance. As we remember those who gave up their lives for the sake of our nation, we are also reminded that no sacrifice is too great and no price is too high in the service of our motherland.
“Observance of Commemoration Day by the people, the leadership and the government of the United Arab Emirates is also a gesture of respect and appreciation for the families of the martyrs, and an expression of commitment that the UAE stands by its people at all costs.
“Truly, our martyrs were nurtured by the love of our motherland. They made us proud and allowed us to stand high among nations. We owe it to our martyrs and their families and everyone who made a sacrifice for the sake of our beloved nation to bring to light their heroic actions and their ultimate acts of giving. Each one of their sacrifices adds a new chapter to our national odyssey.”
Sultan Bin Mohammad, Sharjah Ruler
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, reiterated that UAE martyrs are a source of pride for him and every Emirati as they sacrificed their lives serving the homeland.
In a speech to Dira’a Al Watan, on the occasion of Commemoration Day, Dr Shaikh Sultan expressed his greetings to the martyrs’ families. He expressed his pride, and the pride of every Emirati, in the martyrs and their sacrifices which allowed their names to be engraved in the hearts of all citizens as a symbol of sacrifice.
Dr Shaikh Sultan added, “The highest sacrifice to make for your country is to generously sacrifice your soul for your homeland, which is truly exemplified by our heroes in the armed forces who are working with dedication, devotion and loyalty to their country. We are proud of them and their generosity, and we support them as they are the UAE’s strong shield.”
The Sharjah Ruler concluded by saying, “Let us continue together boosting our strong march toward a brighter future for our homeland.”
Humaid Bin Rashid, Ajman Ruler
His Highness Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, paid tribute to the UAE martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing their national duty in military and humanitarian arenas.
Shaikh Humaid said the UAE has adopted the policy of supporting the right and peace, helping the needy and rising to the defence of the oppressed. “The UAE has proved that through the blood of its own children, it continues to uphold these principles, which were championed by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Zayed,” Shaikh Humaid said.
The 30th of November, marked as Commemoration Day under the directives of Shaikh Khalifa, is a day of pride and patriotism, Shaikh Humaid said.
“On this day, we pay tribute to our heroes, who offered their lives for their motherland, while performing their military and humanitarian duties in the UAE and abroad,” he said.
Hamad Bin Mohammad, Fujairah Ruler
His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has said that Commemoration Day represents an occasion to remind the UAE people that nations are not built without sacrifice, and that the Emirati heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep the homeland safe deserve our appreciation, admiration and reverence.
Shaikh Hamad added that the participation of the UAE forces with the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia is yet another confirmation that the people of the UAE will not hesitate to protect their national security, nor refrain from rescuing their brothers who ask them for help, stressing that “the honourable performance of the UAE troops in brotherly Yemen was and still is the focus of everyone’s appreciation and admiration for the efficiency of our army, and the martyrdom of our heroes is evidence of their courage”.
Saud Bin Rashid, UAQ Ruler
His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said the initiative launched by Shaikh Khalifa to observe Commemoration Day on November 30 every year has mirrored the respect and appreciation for the martyrs of the nation and their families.
Shaikh Saud added that national cohesion represents the true meaning of unification and effective participation in building the nation, preserving its gains and strengthening its social fabric as well as the culture of loyalty instilled by the founding fathers as they represent the first strategic goal in the union.
In a statement on the occasion of Commemoration Day, Shaikh Saud said, “It is a pride for us to witness the honouring of 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 also translate the strong will and determination of our Armed Forces servicemen.”
Saud Bin Saqr, RAK Ruler
His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said Commemoration Day shows the nation’s appreciation for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and showed that nothing is more precious than the nation.
In a statement, Shaikh Saud said the annual observance of this day is to remember all those who sacrificed their lives while performing their national duties in the military or humanitarian fields both at home and overseas.
Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr also paid tribute to the families of Emirati martyrs who took pride in their sons and were prepared to offer more sacrifices for the nation.
The RAK Ruler said, “The leadership of the UAE focuses its attention on citizens in all spheres. This has culminated in the annual observance of the UAE Commemoration Day, based on the leaders’ firm belief that nationals are the pillars of safety, security and immunity of the nation.
“I also want to thank our Armed Forces for their contributions and achievements and for making progress and excellence.”
