His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, said that the “Commemoration Day will remain a symbol of pride, and glory, with their sacrifices being the cornerstone on which we will continue to achieve more accomplishments for our homeland.”

In the following statement to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine on the Commemoration Day, Sheikh Hamad said: “With all pride and gratitude, we recall the acts of patriotism of the Emirati Armed Forces who sacrificed their souls for the sake of the homeland to protect its borders and precious gains. Our martyrs are role models for belonging and loyalty to the homeland.

“While celebrating the nation’s martyrs, we renew our commitment that we, in the UAE led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will spare no efforts to support our Arab brothers who’ve suffered from war and sabotage. We, UAE leadership and people, will continue to stand by them by sustaining the late Sheikh Zayed’s approach and principles aimed at supporting right issues and strengthening Arab bonds.

“On this occasion, we extend greetings to the UAE Armed Forces members inside the country and abroad who are always proactive to protect stability and security of our country. They are our shield who  keep our country unified and safe.”

Separately, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain (UAQ), said that the Commemoration Day upholds the values of sacrifice, redemption and love to the homeland, noting that the occasion is a tribute to all the country’s heroes.

In a statement to the Nation Shield on the occasion of the Commemoration Day, Sheikh Saud stated that the occasion holds a significant meaning to the people of the UAE, as Nov.30 was the day when the first Emirati martyr Salem Suhail Bin Khamis Al Dahmani lost his life while defending his country in 1971. Sheikh Saud noted that national cohesion represents the true meaning of unification and effective participation in building the nation, preserving its gains and strengthening its social fabric as well as the culture of loyalty instilled by the Founding Fathers.  Sheikh Saud added, “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.”

The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain added that the Commemoration Day is an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made by the martyrs to protect the glory, assets and gains of the country.

WAM