Abu Dhabi: The UAE observes the second Commemoration Day on November 30 in memory of those who sacrificed their lives performing national duties at home and abroad in the civil, military and humanitarian fields.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded these heroes a Martyr’s Medal to commemorate their loyalty and dedication and acknowledge their sacrifices.
The first martyr died for his country on the November 30, 1971.
Shaikh Khalifa has emphasised: “Martyr’s Day should be a day full of giving and making efforts to preserve our country and its land. It should motivate all to serve our country and learn how to uphold its glory.
We should learn from today’s celebration how to face situations and deal with crises. Fighting for our country makes us men with great faith in God, in our religion, and in our country; men who stand beside our leadership in words, as well as in actions, to further grow our love of our country.”
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said that Commemoration Day is the beginning of a new era in the UAE, an era of sacrifice for the country, an era of giving all that people have for its future, of a strong relationship between citizens and leaders, an era of uniting to preserve the country’s security and stability.”
He added: “We vow this day to be loyal to our martyrs and to be like fathers to their sons. We vow that as we continue on our path, we shall always be grateful for their sacrifice and we shall preserve their memory forever.”
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: “Our national holidays have increased with our expanding achievements, and each holiday has a patriotic significance. However, this day that we are celebrating represents the highest form of patriotism, loyalty and belonging.
“It is a day of pride and of glory for the UAE. This is the day we commemorate our brave martyrs and their courage, dedication and sacrifice; heroes who have given their lives for what’s right and made the UAE a true symbol of strength and honour.”
The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court is supervising the installation of the martyrs’ monument, consisting of a series of large metal panels that rest next to each other, symbolising the harmony, strength and support between the soldiers, families and citizens in times of tribulations.
The UAE enjoys stability and prosperity, thanks not only to the efforts of its leadership to make the country a haven of safety and security, but also to the sacrifices made by its men.
Over the years, the UAE has participated in various humanitarian and military missions in which it has offered its loyal men as martyrs, demonstrating that it never fails to maintain its principles and the Arab values upon which it was founded, including the values of supporting its countrymen and all humanity. The UAE has proven that it always aims to achieve security and stability while providing help and humanitarian relief to people in areas of conflict, without concern for colour, religion or race.
A minute of silent prayer
The Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs office has launched a campaign titled #The_UAE_Remembers as part of Commemoration Day celebrations.
The campaign ends with the main event titled A Minute of Silent Prayer taking place across the UAE at 11.30am on November 30. Citizens and residents, young and old, will stand together to pray for the souls of the martyrs.
#The_UAE_Remembers campaign focuses on showing the deepest meanings of loyalty, patriotic sacrifice and pride in the leadership’s efforts in adopting the path of development and progress for the good of the nation and its people’s future. Its purpose is also to express the meanings of pride and why it is important to honour sacrifices that the UAE’s martyrs have made in answering the call of national duty.
On this occasion, Shaikh Khalifa Bin Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Director of the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, emphasised that Commemoration Day is one of the great national occasions in which all people express feelings of pride and honour about what the UAE martyrs have offered in all fields.
