SHARJAH // Flags were raised across Sharjah to show unity between Emiratis and support for the army and fallen soldiers in Yemen.
Schoolchildren dressed in army and scout uniforms and traditional dress to sing the National Anthem, played by a band from the police academy at Sharjah Educational Zone.
Reem Hassan, 11, from Al Andalus School, was dressed in the army uniform and saluted as the flag was raised.
“I love my country and I love our soldiers. I came here to celebrate the Flag Day with my friends,” the fifth-grader said.
Her classmates Jawaher Al Mushieri, 9, and Ghala Jassim, 10, sang and saluted while the flag was raised to the National Anthem.
Dr Hanadi Alsuwaidi, of the Ministry of Education and Sharjah Educational Zone, said the event highlighted the bond between the people of the UAE.
“Today we raise the flag for the brave soldiers who died in Yemen, to show solidarity and unity between all Emiratis,” she said.
Obeid Al Katbi, 15, from Muath bin Jabal School, said he was proud of the army.
“Once I finish my studies, I will enrol in the army to defend this country,” he said.
Wahida Abdulaziz, the event organiser, said the educational zone instructed schools across the emirate to focus Flag Day on the martyrs.
“We hope the celebration today is a small token of appreciation to our soldiers fighting in Yemen,” she said.
Emirati Ahmad Saeed, 37, a government employee, said: “It’s so beautiful to see Emiratis stand together behind the flag – it’s our country’s symbol and our source of pride. May God protect our troops in Yemen and bring them home safely.”
Pupils and teachers enjoyed local food made and served by Emirati women. UAE flags were also distributed by pupils to spectators and passers-by.
Most government departments in Sharjah raised the flags at noon. Sharjah Municipality placed large flags on the front of its headquarters while hundreds of employees and residents took part in the ceremony.
Sharjah Police and the Consultative Council also raised the flag to join in the celebrations. In Al Hamriyah, families gathered at the municipality building to take part.
The Al Dhaid area in the central region also marked Flag Day as the municipality and schools raised the UAE flag and pupils sang the national anthem.
tzriqat@thenational.ae
