ABU DHABI // President Sheikh Khalifa has ordered that Emiratis who have fallen in the line of national duty be awarded the Martyr Medal on Monday – the first Commemoration Day.
Sheikh Khalifa said the medals would be awarded at an official ceremony to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“Commemoration Day is a landmark national occasion in our country – a day on which we are inspired by the patriotism of our heroes, take them as our role models in the defence of our dear homeland and pray to Almighty God to rest their souls in Paradise, granting patience and solace to their bereaved families,” he said.
“Nations only grow by the heroic acts of their valiant servicemen, who are recorded in the annals of history for their ultimate sacrifices.
“It is through these sacrifices that we build the strength and glory and pride of our nation in current and future generations.”
Sheikh Khalifa assured the families of fallen servicemen that all of their needs would be met.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said that the families of the fallen should also be honoured.
“On this great day the UAE, its people and history commemorate those brave people who sacrificed their lives and hoisted its flag high,” he said.
“We feel pride for those brave heroes as we show them every respect and appreciation. All our deeds and achievements can not be compared to theirs.
“We proclaim that they are brave people who wrote a new history and vanquished their enemies to bring victory, to defend against injustice and respond to the call of their leadership in all circumstances.
“We also celebrate and honour their parents and families who sacrificed their sons and, at the same time, are ready to make more sacrifices.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, spoke of the great pride in which the country holds its heroes.
“We stand together to honour the heroism and sacrifice of our martyrs, immortalising them in history with pride, honour and gratitude, and recognising the ultimate sacrifice they have made for our nation and the values of humanity,” said Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“We take great pride in our martyrs and their families … to them I say this: you are worthy of the pride we have in you and that will be passed on to your children, grandchildren and future generations of this beloved nation. Our pride in you is immeasurable.”
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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:
