DUBAI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on Wednesday announced that a memorial for UAE heroes will be built and opened in Dubai next year.
“To honour the martyrs of the UAE is to honour their strength and their sacrifice in the name of the people of the UAE,” said Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“We are a people that does not fear the sacrifice of our most cherished sons for our most precious land.
“We shall always honour those who have laid down their lives, and future generations shall forever cherish their memory and seek inspiration in the courage of those who have died to protect them.
“We shall raise a banner and memorial in the name of our martyrs in every corner of the country. The first one stands in the capital, near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where the Founder of our nation rests in peace.
“Every patch of land and each one of our hearts will carry a banner that commemorates their ultimate sacrifice.”
As the clocks struck 11.30am on Wednesday, the heroes were remembered during a minute’s silence observed by hundreds of people at the Dubai Municipality headquarters.
Emiratis were joined by expatriates for the moment of reflection, made all the more poignant by the presence of many who have served or had friends or family in the Armed Forces.
Jaber Al Marzooqi, 29, who works in human resources at Dubai Municipality, said it was an opportunity to rekindle fond memories of his national service.
“I completed nine months of national service last year with the army and it was an amazing experience,” Mr Al Marzooqi said.
“I was the first in my family and among my friends to do it and it has not only given me a great sense of pride but also shown me how important is one’s duty to one’s country.
“It is something that I think young people should experience because that is how we build a country. The training was tough but I firmly believe that it has made me a better person.”
He said his thoughts were with the families of the servicemen who had given their lives for the UAE.
“These men made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and it is why we are safe,” Mr Al Marzooqi said.
Redha Salman, director of the Health and Safety Department, said it was important to honour the sacrifices made by servicemen.
“This gesture is the very least we can offer as a society to recognise what they have done for us and honour their families,” Mr Salman said.
“The men who lost their lives to safeguard the UAE are all our sons and brothers now. Martyrs’ Day will remind future generations of their deeds and what it truly means to show duty to your country.”
He said he knew families who had lost loved ones and his thoughts were with them.
“We want to show that although they paid the ultimate price for their devotion and duty to the UAE, they will not be forgotten.
“I would say that their actions are actually helping to nurture a stronger bond of unity among everyone in the UAE.”
Dawood Al Hajri, assistant director general of Dubai Municipality, echoed his colleague’s sentiments.
“Today shows us in clear detail how these men gave their lives to protect all of us,” Mr Al Hajri said. “If it were not for our martyrs and those they served with doing their duty, then none of this would be possible.”
Heba Al Shehhi, head of the -applications section at the municipality’s IT department, has three young boys who are learning the importance of duty.
“The oldest is 6 but the important thing is that when they are old enough for national service they should willingly do it rather than be told to,” Ms Al Shehhi said.
“Overall, I would say national service has had a positive impact on young Emiratis. Before, you could say that they were distracted by things like social media, but after they go through the experience, I feel they are becoming much more mature as people.”
Commemoration Day and events such as National Day help to create a stronger sense of spirit within the country, she said.
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