United to show thanks and pride

Silence observed at Dubai Municipality in gratitude for the sacrifices made abroad in the name of the UAE and its people.

Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, leads the flag-raising ceremony with other dignitaries. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Only the sound of the flag fluttering at half-mast could be heard at 11.30am, as the crowd fell silent in a tribute to the country’s fallen heroes.

Government staff and officials were observing the minute’s silence in offices and buildings across Dubai as part of the first national Commemoration Day.

Emirati men and women, many with UAE scarves draped around their shoulders, took part. Some took their young children along, dressed in the sand-coloured camouflage of the Armed Forces.

All stood as one during the ceremony at Dubai Municipality in Al Rigga on Monday.

After the silence, Hussain Lootah, director general of the municipality, raised the flag from half mast as those in attendance sang the national anthem.

Poets read verses paying homage to the heroes’ courage.

Mr Lootah said the ceremony was an important way for the country to unite in support of its soldiers and leadership.

“The brave men of our Armed Forces are risking their lives to protect all of us and on the first Martyrs’ Day we commemorate those who have fallen performing their duty,” he said.

“Some have sacrificed their lives protecting us and by having a minute’s silence we can take a moment out of our day to remember what they have done.”

Ismail Al Banna, director of corporate marketing and relations, said he, along with many others, felt mixed emotions during the silence.

“On one hand we are sad that members of our Armed Forces have died and we feel sorry for their families,” Mr Al Banna said.

“However, there is also a great sense of pride that these soldiers died not only protecting us but helping people in a different country who asked for our support.”

Mr Al Banna, who has a son studying with the army, said his family were prepared if he had to be called up.

“If he is called up to fight in Yemen then we will all be proud and honoured that he is going to do his duty,” he said.

A podium and mast were set up for the occasion in the courtyard.

Curious onlookers peered out of windows and members of the public who only moments earlier were scurrying around clutching documents paused in respect as a hush descended upon the area.

Hamad Al Falarzi, from the municipality’s marketing department, brought his Thani, 4, to the event dressed in military fatigues.

“This is a very important day because not only are we commemorating those who have fallen in the line of duty but we are showing our pride for their sacrifices,” Mr Al Falarzi said.

“I want my son to understand how important duty and unity is. That’s why I brought him along.”

Ahmed Al Khalifani, an official in the corporate excellence department, said Commemoration Day was as important to the country as National Day.

“This day gives not only Emiratis and expats a chance to remember those who are dying in service for their country, but also to show our appreciation for keeping us safe,” Mr Al Khalifani said.

Majed Abdullah, who works in the surveying department, said it was a chance to pay his respects to the country and Armed Forces.

“This gives us a chance to give something back to those who died while protecting us and let their families know that our thoughts are with them,” he said.

Elsewhere in Dubai, a school contest helped young children to understand the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.

Winning essays and drawings by children from Al Ittihad Private School in Al Mamzar, and the Dubai National Schools in Al Barsha and Al Twar were rewarded with prizes by the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre.

“This contest aimed to familiarise the younger generation with the concept of a martyr, the relevance of martyrdom and, more importantly, to enable them to better appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens who suffered and died for the progress and welfare of our country,” said Amina Al Dhaheri, the director of research and studies at the Heritage Centre.

* Additional reporting by Ramola Talwar Badam