Woman with 8 sons in military, honoured

Alma Salem Al Marashda is proud that her eight sons are in themilitary and the ninth has applied to join it. - Supplied photo

 On Mother's Day, the Dubai Police honoured Emirati woman Alma Salem Hamdan Al Marashda for giving birth to eight sons who are now serving in the UAE's Armed Forces.
Of her children, seven have participated in the war in Yemen - Obaid, 43; Hasan, 40; Sabah, 35; Ahmed, 31; Khaled, 33; Juma, 22; and Yousuf, 29. Another son is serving with the UAE's military mission in Romania, and a ninth has applied to join the military, said Al Marashda on the sidelines of the event.
The widowed mother said she is very happy that her children are serving their country, and praised the UAE government and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who recently visited the family.
She noted that she has raised her children to love the UAE and be loyal to the country. "We are proud to serve our homeland," she said, adding that she never hesitated to encourage them to go to Yemen, despite the risks. "I am just like all mothers in the country who contributed to the development of the country and sacrificed for their homeland."
"On mother's day, I congratulate all mothers who are taking the burden to raise children, especially those taking care of special needs children," she added.
She noted that her son Ahmed, who spent seven months on the frontline, called her every time he got the chance, adding that she misses her children on Mother's Day as they used to visit her to celebrate and show their love. She also has six daughters.
The brothers are working in different parts of the Armed Forces, including the navy and the Presidential Guard.
amira@khaleejtimes.com

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