President Khalifa: Martyrs are source of dignity, glory, and beacon for generations
Published: Wed 30 Nov 2016, 9:38 AM
Updated: Wed 30 Nov 2016, 11:03 AM
The anniversary of the nation's martyrs will remain present in the memory of generations, and immortal in the conscience of the UAE people, The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said.
In a statement released on the occasion of the second Commemoration Day, which is marked yearly on November 30th, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa said, "We, in our unified house, are capable of preserving and protecting the nation, which our forefathers founded on the values of charity, generosity, advocating for what is right, and standing with the oppressed."
"Our martyrs will also remain the source of dignity, glory, and a beacon for generations, and their families and children will receive from us, and from the state and community, full care and attention.
Following is the full text of the President's statement:
"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. We pray to Almighty Allah to shower mercy on their souls and extend deep thanks to their families.
We confirm that the nation will never forget those who offered their blood and lives in defence of the nation. Our martyrs will also remain the source of dignity, glory and a beacon for generations, and their families and children will receive from us, and from the state and community, full care and attention.
On and through the 30th of November, 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. We, in our united and unified house, are capable of preserving and protecting the state which our forefathers founded on the values of charity, giving, generosity, advocating for right and standing with the oppressed. The sacrifices of our martyrs will further solidify our will, determination, strength, cohesion and solidarity.
On this day, we salute our proud people, our soldiers, officers and commanders of the UAE Armed Forces, who are stationed in the battlefields of honour and dignity in defence of the nation and state and for raising its national flag high.
We also salute Emirati men and women who are working in the fields of charity, security, performing their civilian and humanitarian duty inside and outside the UAE.
May Allah save and spare our nation from any evil and harm, and rest the souls of our martyrs in Paradise along with prophets, the righteous and good persons."
Other UAE leaders have also sent out their messages. Here is His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's statement:
"Today, we gather as leaders and peoples 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."
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces not only honoured the martyrs but also praised the UAE as a whole.
"The United Arab Emirates has forged its way into existence through 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"
Sharjah ruler, His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah meanwhile said:
"The highest sacrifice to make for your country is to generously sacrifice your soul for your homeland, which is truly exemplified by our heroes in the armed forces who are working with dedication, devotion and loyalty to their country. We are proud of them and their generosity, and we support them as they are the UAE's strong shield."
Ajman also honoured the martyrs of UAE with a message from His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman:
"On this day, we pay tribute to our heroes, who offered their lives for their motherland, while performing their military and humanitarian duties in the UAE and abroad,"
"We are proud of our honest, sincere and devoted martyrs. They died while raising the banner of the right, returning legitimacy in Yemen and while defending our Gulf. They wrote with their blood an epic of sacrifice and steadfastness. For them, every day in the battle ground was a day of pride and honour."
His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah also honoured the UAE's martyrs.
"This blessed day has become a national event to honour the martyrs of the nation and to reminisce about their heroism, sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to their country and the wise leadership."
His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain had this to say:
"It is a pride for us to witness the honouring of martyrs of the homeland in recognition and appreciation of their sacrifices and acts of patriotism, as they represent an immortal example of national unity and belonging. They also translate the strong will and determination of our Armed Forces servicemen."
Last but not the least, RAK ruler His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah sent his messages:
"The celebration shows appreciation of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and all that is precious for their country and showed that nothing is more precious than the nation."