The Rulers of the Emirates paid glowing tributes to the martyrs on Friday. File / WAM

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that martyrdom is the highest degree of devotion and dedication to the homeland, and only great nations are built through sacrifice and sincere belonging.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates marked the Commemoration Day at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said the Emirati martyrs' memory will remain indelible in the UAE people's consciousness.

UAE Rulers bestowed medals of pride on the families and children of the martyrs.

UAE Rulers placed wreaths at Wahat Al Karama on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day.

In the following statement to the ‘Nation Shield’ magazine, Sheikh Khalifa said, “On this glorious day, when we exalt the values of giving and sacrifice, we express the utmost appreciation to our righteous martyrs who have given their blood and souls in fulfilment of the sacred duty, in support of the oppressed, in defence of the truth, and in the protection of the UAE, which was founded by our fathers on the values of giving, redemption, belonging, loyalty and courage

“On this blessed day, we pay tribute to our valiant sons, soldiers, officers and commanders of our armed forces, who are vigilant in protecting and defending the homeland, and saluting our children across all workplaces inside and outside the country.”

Rulers of the Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, have paid special tributes of glory and honour to the UAE martyrs on Commemoration Day.

Members of the UAE Armed Forces participate in a Commemoration Day ceremony at Wahat Al Karama on Saturday. WAM

Sheikh Mohammed said, “On behalf of all Emiratis, I salute all families who offered their sons to protect the national gains of our homeland and to keep our flag flying high at all times under all circumstances. It’s your wisdom, fortitude and magnanimity that enabled our valiant armed forces to continue to be the protective shield of our homeland.

“Our martyrs are the sons and grandsons of our nation’s icon and the founder of our renaissance, late Sheikh Zayed. They are the trustees of his vision, which states that the UAE army is our protective shield that preserves our national unity and accomplishments, and helps our brotherly Arab countries in case of need.”

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said, “The essential message delivered by the Commemoration Day is for every Emirati to keep sacrificing for his/her homeland by continuing to be loyal to our deeply-rooted principles and values, the seeds of which were sown by the Founding Fathers of the UAE Federation.

“Our martyrs embody the UAE’s solid commitment toward our brotherly countries, their national defence and their right to stability, development and progress. They express in the truest sense of the word the UAE’s principled stance, adopted since the era of late Sheikh Zayed, in support of righteousness and justice.”

Sheikh Sultan inaugurated a building of the Martyrs Hall near the University City in Sharjah.

Sultan toured the Martyrs Hall and heard a briefing on the facilities and services provided to visitors.

Members of the UAE Armed Forces greet officers. WAM

Sultan watched a documentary film highlighting the stages of the construction of the Martyrs Hall.

Sheikh Humaid said, “Our country celebrates the annual Commemoration Day on 30th November to remember the glories achieved by the pure souls who did not hesitate to meet their call of duty in defence of their religion, nation and humanity.”

UAQ Ruler Sheikh Saud said, “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.”

RAK Ruler Sheikh Saud said, “The UAE takes pride in our heroes who responded to the call of duty and sacrificed their souls in protection of their nation’s glory and in defence of its periphery and national gains.”

Fujairah Ruler 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.”