ABU DHABI // “On this glorious day, we treasure the values of sacrifice and love for the nation, and we highly honour and pay profound gratitude and reverence to the heroes of national duty, who wrote with their pure blood the epic of dignity and glory.”
With these words the President, Sheikh Khalifa, paved the way for the second Commemoration Day, on Wednesday.
Leaders paid tributes to the country’s heroes, both military and humanitarian, and to their proud but grieving families.
“The nation will never forget those who offered their blood and lives in defence of the nation,” Sheikh Khalifa pledged.
“Our martyrs will also remain the source of dignity, glory and a beacon for generations, and their families and children will receive from us, from the state and community, full care and attention.
“On and through November 30 we affirm that the anniversary of our martyrs will remain alive and fresh in the memory of generations and immortal in the conscience of our people.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, told the Ministry of Interior magazine Nation Shield: "Today we gather as leaders and people of the nation to salute our heroes, to honour their memory, and to also remind everyone that their sacrifices will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds."
“Our martyrs’ loved ones are just as precious to us as our own, and their noble goals, for which they have sacrificed their lives, will be held as a badge of honour until the end of time.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said the UAE forged its way by meticulous planning, hard work and unceasing sacrifices.
“This is a nation that values the precious sacrifices of its people. This is a nation that bestows upon its martyrs the highest order of honour,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“Let us seize this moment to celebrate the glory of our martyrs. Let us tell their stories and speak of their values.
“They died to defend our values and protect our homeland. They died believing in the values instilled in us by our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed.
“It is a day for those who died for the sake of our motherland. It is a day for those who will always be a source of pride to the UAE. It is a day for our everlasting heroes.”
Flags around the country will be lowered at 8am on Wednesday, and raised again after a minute’s silence from 11.30am while the National Anthem is played.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
