'I am a martyr's daughter. And I am proud of my father'

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, greets Rouda, daughter of a martyr. - Wam file photo

Every year on the Commemoration Day, eight-year-old Rouda gives a rousing speech to her school assembly about the dedication and sacrifice of the UAE soldiers. It is matter of pride for the little girl because her glowing tribute goes to her own father Captain Majid Al Naqbi, a fighter pilot who sacrificed his life for his country.
He was only 24 when he died in 2010.
"Rouda was just eight months old when he became a martyr. But she is very proud of her father," said her mother Eman Al Naqbi.
In a rare interview with Khaleej Times, Eman spoke about the pain and the pride of losing her husband to the country.
Though she always knew that his job was risky, they never discussed it. "He was so passionate about flying and serving in the army. I think when you serve for your country, you are not afraid of anything. Now we know he is in a safer, better place. He is with Allah! We always keep him in our prayers."
Eman says she also has a bigger responsibility - to teach her only daughter the importance of sacrifice and patriotism - values her father died for.
"I am so proud about the fact that my husband died for our country, to protect its safety and honour. And I wanted to tell Rouda the truth. I did not want her to know it from someone else. And, she must grow up appreciating the great sacrifice her father has done. Now, I always hear her proudly telling others that she is a martyr's daughter."
And for herself, Eman says she wants to resume her post-graduation in media studies. "I could not continue my higher studies because my daughter was small when the tragedy happened. I love writing and I express my happiness and grief through my written words. So communication is my dream profession," said Eman, who is a graduate in journalism from Sharjah University.
Though her life has changed after her husband's death, Eman says she is grateful to the UAE Government for all the help and support she receives. "I cannot thank them enough. The government makes us feel looked after. It is a great comfort that our families can approach them for anything, anytime."
When the whole nation is remembering its fallen soldiers on the Commemoration Day, Eman says every day is a martyrs day for families like hers. "But it is important to commemorate this day. We can never forget the fact that we live in peace and safety because of the dedication and loyalty of our soldiers.
"It is a matter of pride for us that more and more Emirati families are happily enrolling their sons in the military service. When one soldier falls, we have hundreds more to fight for our country."
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Abu Dhabi