At 11.30 on Monday morning the nation stood united in a moment of silent respect and commemoration for its fallen sons.
Across the emirates flags were flown at half-mast, loved ones were remembered and a quiet strength was roused in the UAE’s heart.
Some of those who felt the greatest loss – the families – gathered near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. They were comforted by their leaders, given a look at the site of the monument that will form a lasting tribute to their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers, and presented with the Martyrs’ Medal conferred by President Sheikh Khalifa.
Pride in their loved ones’ courage and sacrifice – and the nation’s unity – eased their sorrow.
“We are a family,” said Hamad Al Hashmi, who lost his brother Abdullah Al Jabri to Houthi rockets in Yemen. “We are one family and as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said, this is a united home – the United Arab Emirates. We are all together and we are proud of it.”
Each emirate marked the day in its own fashion.
In Dubai, crowds gathered at sites including the muncipality headquarters for the minute’s silence around a half-raised flag in communal support.
As was the case all over the country, children were included, many wearing the uniform of the Armed Forces.
Hamad Al Falarzi, of Dubai Municipality, took his son Thani, 4, dressed in army fatigues. “I want my son to understand how important duty and unity is,” he said.
In Sharjah, the main event was the unveiling of the Martyrs’ Monument by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the emirate’s Ruler.
“We have this monument as a reminder to Emiratis and the rest of the world to show we were there to aid our brothers in Yemen,” said Abdullah Al Tenaiji, cousin of Hassan Mohammed Al Tenaiji who died in Yemen.
For Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, acting head of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, the feeling of the day was summed up by an act of kindness near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Sheikh Mohammed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stopped to comfort a small, crying girl.
“Seeing the connection between leaders and community as one family – you see the feeling of the community, see the small girls crying for the loss of their family – it really touched the heart,” Dr Al Khaili said.
“They are our heroes and that’s why we are all here.”
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