The UAE will come together on Wednesday for Commemoration Day to pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in defence of their country.
The poignant event is observed every November 30 to honour armed forces members who died in the line of duty.
President Sheikh Mohamed has paid homage to the country's military, who he hailed as a "source of pride" for the Emirates.
He pledged that the UAE's leadership would continue to support their loved ones.
“We promise our honourable martyrs that their sacrifices will remain immortal in the memory of generations and a source of pride,” Sheikh Mohamed said in a message carried by state news agency Wam on Tuesday.
“Their children, families and loved ones will remain a responsibility that rests on our shoulders.
“It is the homeland's obligation to look after them, and it is the state's responsibility to look after them.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said that on Commemoration Day, the country’s leaders and people celebrate the memory of the martyrs and remember their sacrifices.
“Today, we commemorate the nation’s martyrs and show our appreciation for their sacrifices to defend the country’s freedom, security and stability,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Commemoration Day is held every year to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of the UAE’s military and civilian service people, and to honour those who lost their lives while serving the country.
President praises Sheikh Khalifa
The late President Sheikh Khalifa introduced Commemoration Day in 2015.
It was initially introduced to commemorate Salem Suhail bin Khamis, who died on November 30, 1971 while fighting Iranian forces on the island of Greater Tunb.
"We remember with respect and appreciation the efforts of my late brother, Sheikh Khalifa, who designated November 30 as a day to salute the precious sacrifices of the nation's martyrs who gave their lives while defending our nation," the President said.
Sheikh Mohamed called on future generations to be inspired by their “integrity and dedication”.
“We call on the youth and rising generations of this country to adopt the noble value of martyrdom, to emulate the sacrifices of the martyrs, and to take their example of work ethic, dedication to duty, and integrity in learning that the martyrs exemplified in their sacrifices,” he said.
“The UAE of the future can only be built through hard work and sacrifice if we dream, plan, and work diligently.”
Honouring lives lost
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, said the deeds of the UAE's heroic martyrs will remain entrenched in the memory of present and future generations.
“On this day, we, the children of this land, commemorate the memory of our fathers and brothers, the heroes who sacrificed their precious lives to defend the nation and its sovereignty. We ask Allah Almighty to grant them mercy and protect and ensure serenity for their families, who are receiving the significant support of the nation, headed by President Sheikh Mohamed,” he said.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, also paid tribute.
“We call on the nation's youth and its future generations to mark the sacrifices of our martyrs as an example of patriotism to inspire a path towards achieving exceptional feats across all fields,” he said.
Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, lauded those who gave their lives to protect the Emirates.
“Commemoration Day is a very significant day for our nation,” she said.
“We dedicate this day to remember the sacrifices of the heroes who gave their lives for their homeland and for the glory of their nation. These sacrifices signify the importance of giving. They inspire our children and the future generations to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers who laid down their lives to safeguard the future of our nation.
“On this day we not only remember those who sacrificed their lives for the nation to keep our flag flying high and strengthen our national identity. Let us all promise to work for the betterment of the state and protect its interests. We are determined to take strides towards a bright future filled with hope and optimism.”
Employees in the UAE will enjoy a four-day weekend to mark Commemoration Day and the country's 51st National Day.
It will run from Thursday, December 1, through to Saturday, December 3. With Sunday, December 4 being off, employees will be back in the office on Monday, December 5.
