UAE salutes its brave sons on Commemoration Day

Sacrifices will make us stronger, united
Abu Dhabi - The President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has said that November 30 is a day to treasure the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to the homeland.
He said that the nation will never forget the servicemen who offered their lives and blood on the battlegrounds of justice.
Sheikh Khalifa's statement to Nation Shield magazine on Commemoration Day is as follows:
"The 30th of November, which our nation marks annually as Commemoration Day, is a day to treasure the values of sacrifice, dedication and loyalty to the homeland. The nation, both leadership and people, will never forget our servicemen who offered their lives and blood on the battlegrounds of justice, right, duty and pride in defence of the Union, safeguarding its sovereignty and preserving its achievements, so as to keep aloft the flag of the UAE as a symbol of strength, dignity, protection and glory.
"On this day, we pledge to our martyrs - civilian or military - that we will hold their sacrifices as medals of dignity and honour, and will cherish their souls as lamps that light up the path ahead for future generations. We will also hold them as role models for love and defence of the nation. Their families and children will receive the highest care and assistance from the state.
"On this glorious national occasion, we call upon the citizens of the UAE to keep the noble values of sacrifice as a living, enduring role model in their life and to excel in performing their work, as great nations are built by science, creativity, achievement, leadership, determination, sincere dedication and ultimate sacrifices. There is no life without dignity and there is no dignity without sacrifices.
"Sacrifices will only make us stand more steadfast, united and strong in defence of the state that our forefathers founded on the values of dedication, sacrifice, giving and generosity. On this immortal day, we salute the soldiers, officers and commanders of our gallant Armed Forces and all personnel of our other security agencies. We also salute Emirati citizens, especially those who are performing their security and humanitarian duties within the UAE and abroad.
"Let us hoist our national flag high and offer everything that is dear and precious for its sake and well-being," Sheikh Khalifa concluded.
Commemoration Day echoes values of patriotism, says VP

Dubai- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said that the UAE leaders, while seeking to preserve in immortal memory the sacrifices of their heroes and honour their devotion in heeding the call of duty, will continue to wholeheartedly support and stand by their families.
"As words are not powerful enough to indicate the sublime status of martyrs, we will remain forever indebted to those who have responded to the call to pay the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the homeland, their sanctities and national gains," Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the Commemoration Day.
"The assigning of November 30 as Commemoration Day is an indication of the paramount importance of martyrdom in the Emirati culture. It's the day when the first Emirati citizen in the modern era gave his life for the sake of his homeland and its national gains.
"As we observe a minute of silence in honour of our martyrs, I can hear the echo of this silence in the inner self of our sons and daughters and sense their willingness to offer their very souls in defence of their nation's security and stability. I can sense their determination to spare no effort and leave no stone unturned to preserve the dignity of their nation and keep our flag flying high in glory."
Sheikh Mohammed said: "To all our soldiers, I say that your brothers who sacrificed their lives on battlegrounds have placed laurel wreaths around your heads. I also say to them you have proved your worth by demonstrating your loyalty to your homeland and by fulfilling the ambitions and vision of your leadership and people."
He added: "Among the lessons we've drawn from the Commemoration Day is the fact that peace, stability and prosperity should not be taken for granted, as they are, rather, hard-earned blessings that need colossal efforts, profound awareness and diligent work to keep, defend and preserve. We continue to share feelings of pride and glory with the families of our martyred heroes."

Martyrs will forever light the way for our children, says CP
Abu Dhabi  - His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that Commemoration Day is a national occasion to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the noblest sons of the UAE who gave up their lives for the glory of this nation, to defend its security and interests.
In a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the Commemoration Day, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed added that the sacrifices of the martyrs and Armed Forces will continue to inspire the country's firm resolve and strong will to confront anything that might obstruct the progress or prevent the realisation of the country's great aspirations.
"History tells us that the progress of nations and their ability to protect themselves owes a lot to their children's values of sacrifice and determination, as well as their sense of belonging and love for their country. The nations that make sacrifices to preserve their dignity and to honour their responsibilities are the powerful countries capable of safeguarding their gains, defending their sovereignty and advancing with confidence along the path of progress. This is what our martyrs have embodied with their sacrifice, and what our Armed Forces have proven with their heroism, expressing the values of the noble Emirati people.
"On this glorious occasion, we pay tribute to the martyrs, who will forever light our way towards the bright, safe and prosperous future we strive to secure for our children.
"I also pay tribute to our brave Armed Forces, the symbol of honour, heroism and loyalty. I salute my sons who stand in their positions in brotherly Yemen in defence of the Yemeni people's right to stability and development, away from sectarian and religious conflict. I say to them: All of UAE is with you, proud of you and your heroism.
"I would like to pay tribute to the mothers of our martyrs, their parents and their families, who set the best example of sacrifice and giving. "The most fitting tribute to the memory of our great martyrs would be to adopt their values and draw inspiration from them."
'Martyrs reflect real principles of Gulf countries'
Ajman - On the November 30 each year, the UAE celebrates the achievements and sacrifices of its martyrs, making it a day when the hearts of the people fill with gratitude and pride for the heroism and sacrifices that have been made in the battlefields to support the victory of the homeland, said His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.
In a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of Commemoration Day, Sheikh Humaid added: "On this day, we are reminded of our martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the UAE flag to fly high, as they performed their national duties, inside and outside the country.
"The blood of the martyrs, which have spilled as they defended their brothers, represent the real meaning of the principles upheld by Gulf nations, signifies freedom and dignity, and demonstrates the deep understanding and love of people of the UAE for their homeland," he said, adding, these sacrifices were also significant to defending the oppressed and raising the banner of truth.
'Their sacrifices provide us with motivation'
Fujairah - His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, has said that Commemoration Day is a great occasion dedicated to remembering the nation's martyrs, who will, he said, remain shining examples for future generations, inspiring them to work hard, preserve the nation and uphold its values.
In a statement given to Nation Shield, Sheikh Hamad said that the UAE traditions and values of giving are embodied in the nation's sons and daughters, who will continue to protect the nation, stand by our neighbours and combat terrorism, ensuring safety and security for all.
"Our martyrs' blood was not spilled in vain. Their sacrifices provide us with motivation and strength to continue our nation's development journey and to move forward to a better future. Our beloved martyrs have carried and continue to carry on the legacy of giving of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. "The UAE leadership will never forget them and will continue to care for their families as a symbol of appreciation for their sacrifices."
'Day to celebrate bravery of our role models'
Umm Al Quwain - His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has said that Commemoration Day is an occasion to express our pride in what the sons of this country have done in defence of the nation and the promotion of its security, peace and stability.
In a statement to mark Commemoration Day, Sheikh Saud said: "The UAE's martyrs have acquired their noble principles from their deep-rooted faith and devotion to the homeland, and from the national and moral education that they have inherited through the generations. Today, they have become role models of bravery, courage and determination that we want to celebrate."
He added that Commemoration Day is an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made by the martyrs to protect the glory, assets and gains of the country. Sheikh Saud concluded by saying that these sacrifices and noble values will remain instilled in the hearts of young people. "The UAE's martyrs will always be role models for the sons of the homeland who will continue to pursue the path of glory."
'Their patriotism in the battlefield is immortal'

Ras Al Khaimah - His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has said that the UAE's martyrs have shouldered their responsibilities by responding to the call of duty. "They sacrificed their lives to safeguard the country's dignity, protected its borders and preserved its achievements and gains," said Sheikh Saud.
In a statement to the Nation Shield magazine on Commemoration Day, the UAQ Ruler said: "The patriotism of our soldiers in the battlefields is immortal and will be remembered to pave the way for the future. Their acts of heroism are a source of pride for the coming generations from which we glean all meanings of loyalty, and sacrifice for the sake of the homeland.
"We extend thanks and appreciation for those who defend the homeland and who are ready to sacrifice their lives to safeguard the security and peace of the UAE. We emphasise that we sent a message of peace to the world, and our sacrifice is for the sake of the homeland, which mirrors deep meanings as it has defend the noble human values," he added.