ABU DHABI // Commemoration Day will unite the Emirati people, say family members of the fallen servicemen who are being honoured.
Al Metaredh Al Afari, 50, who lost his father when he was 10 because of an illness in Al Hamra base, where he was stationed at that time, said the initiative was not new to the UAE’s leaders.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces] has a great role in commemorating the martyrs,” said Mr Al Afari.
“This is not new to him, he has been remembering families of all fallen men and honouring them generously since he took the position as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, not only after the recent Yemen attacks.”
Hessa Al Qadhi, mother of First Lt Tariq Al Shehi, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Bahrain in March last year, said Commemoration Day was a chance to remember the virtues and bravery of the country’s fallen soldiers.
“I remember my son every day, and I reckon every family thinks about their sons, but on Martyr’s Day the whole nation will remember the souls that passed away in defending this great country of ours,” she said.
Ahmed Al Shehi, Al Shehi’s nephew, said: “This day will bring all Emiratis together, a day of pride and unity so that all can remember the brave soldiers who defended the country.”
Balqees Al Saadi, 21, who lost her brother in September in the Yemen attacks that killed dozens of servicemen, said the day marked the recognition of martyrs.
“Commemoration Day marks a great value for the martyrs, to preserve their memory in recognition of their sacrifices and of all the nation’s brave martyrs who gave their souls to have the UAE flag raised high as they perform their national duty inside the country and outside in battlefields.”
Shamma Al Megbali, 16, who also lost her half-brother in the Yemen attack, said she and her family were filled with feelings of pride.
“Commemoration Day entrenches the idea of the brave soldiers who have given their souls for the country, including by brother Omar,” she said.
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› On the UAE’s first Commemoration Day we honour the sacrifice of our fallen brothers. Click on the image below to enlarge:
