Commemoration Day: President Sheikh Mohamed hails 'sacrifices made by our brave heroes'

Leader says the UAE will continue to be an advocate for peace and co-operation

Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to those who have given their lives in defence of the UAE. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

President Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of those who have selflessly given their lives in defence of the UAE, ahead of Commemoration Day tomorrow.

He said their actions will serve to inspire generations to come and “serve as emblems of pride and honour for every Emirati”.

The Emirates observes Commemoration Day every November 30 to recognise members of the armed forces who lost their lives protecting the country.

Sheikh Mohamed, in a Commemoration Day address carried by state news agency Wam on Tuesday, said the day is an occasion to “honour the memory of a revered group of our nation's heroes who proved their true courage and their loyalty to both God and our homeland”.

“Commemoration Day is an occasion of profound significance to our beloved nation, a day on which we pay tribute to our martyrs,” he said.

“We proudly and gratefully recall their sacrifices and acts of bravery, and we share these stories with our children and grandchildren.

“In doing so, we ensure that their tales of devotion and sacrifice remain alive in the consciousness of future generations, inspiring them to embrace these values of patriotism and be ready to heed the nation's call, whenever and wherever it may arise.

“Our fallen heroes selflessly gave their lives in defence of the UAE, its people, its values, and its sovereignty. Our obligation is to preserve their names and memories, and uphold the values and ideals for which they stood.”

The late President Sheikh Khalifa introduced Commemoration Day in 2015.

It was initially introduced to commemorate Salem Suhail bin Khamis, who died on November 30, 1971, while fighting Iranian forces on the island of Greater Tunb.

Sheikh Mohamed described Commemoration Day as a “special day for our nation” when the country extends its “deepest thanks and gratitude to the families and relatives of our heroes”.

“We honour their sacrifices and their deep love for our country and reaffirm that supporting them will remain our top priority,” he said.

“The sacrifice of their loved ones places upon us a lasting responsibility, one we are committed to fulfilling for all eternity.

“Today, as we commemorate our brave heroes, we affirm that they laid down their lives in defence of justice, in support of security and stability, and in pursuit of peace.”

He said the UAE “has always been, and will continue to be, an advocate for peace and co-operation, because we believe this is the way to fulfil the aspirations of people around the world for progress and prosperity”.

“May God bestow his mercy upon our honourable heroes, safeguard the UAE and its people, and grant peace and stability to our nation, the region, and the world,” he said.

In a post shared on social media on Thursday, Sheikh Mohamed honoured the UAE's “brave heroes”.

“Today we honour the UAE's brave heroes who gave their lives in defence of justice, in support of security and stability, and in pursuit of peace.

“We pray that they are granted eternal rest, and that their families and loved ones are blessed with solace and comfort,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on Thursday that Commemoration Day is one of pride for the country.

“Martyr's Day is a day of pride for the nation … a day of remembrance of the sacrifices and heroism of the nation's people … a day of appreciation for the mothers and fathers of the nation's martyrs,” he wrote on X.

Indelible mark of pride

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said Commemoration Day honours “the nation's heroes who have left an indelible mark of pride and honour through their selfless contributions”, news agency Wam reported.

In a statement, Sheikh Dr Sultan said the nation's martyrs “presented the noblest examples of dedication, sacrifice, and redemption in serving the nation, all in pursuit of elevating its standing and upholding its noble banner”.

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, said Commemoration Day is an occasion to remember the heroic martyrs who defended the pride and dignity of the UAE.

“It is a source of 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,” Sheikh Hamad said.

“The sacrifices of the brave martyrs reflected the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland. It has had a profound impact on the people of the UAE,” he added.

“They are a source of inspiration for all. They gave their lives for the homeland and showed the strength of determination and sacrifice.”

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said Commemoration Day is an occasion to express the pride and gratitude of Emiratis in the sacrifices of the martyrs who have demonstrated their loyalty to the country.

“They are the ones who protected the UAE, fulfilled their covenant and were loyal to their duty to their nation, their leadership, and their people,” Sheikh Saud said.

“The fields of pride and honour bore witness to their sacrifices. For their heroism, they are the ones who sacrificed their precious lives in sacrifice and defence of the homeland and to defend their homeland’s gains, security and stability.”

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said: “The martyr's acts of heroism will remain immortal in the history and the memory of the country, as well as hearts of Emiratis.”

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, said the UAE “has spared no expense in pursuing its noblest goal: preserving the dignity of humanity wherever it may be”.

“They [martyrs] are champions of truth, beacons of goodness, and symbols of pride and human dignity,” Sheikh Humaid said.

“Their blessed sacrifices are a guiding light that illuminates nations and generations, elevating the values of sacrifice and redemption and instilling in hearts the meanings of respect and reverence for every sacrifice made by the country's beloved sons for the glory of religion and country.”