Martyr was a man of faith and love

The family of Saeed Al Marri reflect on his sacrifice.

Umm Saeed, the mother of Saeed Al Marri, 45, who lost his life along with 44 of his companions in a rocket attack in Marib province, says that what happened to her son was God’s will. Satish Kumar / The National
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DUBAI // On September 4, Saeed Al Marri rose early as usual to lead his comrades in Yemen in fajr prayers.

Shortly after Saeed, 45, lost his life along with 45 of his companions in a rocket attack in Marib province. It was the day after his birthday and the deadliest in UAE military history.

His family remember him as a man of faith and love for others.

“My dear brother Saeed was a devout man who became known as the ‘imam of the martyrs’ on social media because his last act before dying was leading his brothers in prayer,” says Marwan Al Marri.

As news of the attack reached home, Saeed’s family were hopeful that he might have survived.

“It was a devastating day for the country and all of the martyrs’ families,” Marwan says. “We were hopeful that he might still be alive but a DNA sample that was a match destroyed all hope.”

A DNA sample from a family member was needed to identify the body.

“Our mother would wake up every day and ask us if we’ve heard from Saeed while we were waiting for news,” says Jameela Al Marri, the soldier’s sister. “The news was hard on her but she couldn’t be more proud.”

As sad as they were, Jameela says the support the family has received from even the highest levels has helped to ease their pain.

“I’ll never forget the moment Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces] walked through our door.

“It felt like he was one of us. He came in and consoled us, made sure we were OK.”

Saeed’s nephew and close friend, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, 43, says his death has left a hole in his life .

“We were close in age and lived together in the same house. Words can’t express the void he’s left,” says Mohammed.

He says that Sheikh Mohammed’s words – “Al bait mitwahid”, or “We are one house united” – resonated with the family.

“The house did feel unified,” says Mohamed, who works with Dubai Police. “We were unified in our grief and sorrow. The funeral period usually takes three days but our house and welcoming tent kept receiving people for a few days after.

“The whole country was united and remains so. We honour Saeed, his brothers and their sacrifice, and so did everyone who came to offer their condolences,” said Mr Al Suwaidi who works for Dubai Police.

Umm Saeed says what happened to her son is God’s will and she accepts it.

“If our children didn’t protect our countries then who else will,” she says. “His children are a reminder of him, they’re continuing his legacy.”

nalremeithi@thenational.ae

In the lead up to Commemoration Day The National speaks to the families of the soldiers who have died during the Saudi-led coalition launched Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen. Check out our coverage here:

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