UAE Commemoration Day is a gesture of respect and appreciation for Martyrs

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said that the UAE has forged its way into existence through meticulous planning, hard work and unceasing sacrifices, adding that marking Commemoration Day is a gesture of respect and appreciation for the families of the martyrs, and an expression of commitment that the UAE stands by its people at all costs.

In a speech to Dira’a Al Watan, The Nation Shield, magazine on the occasion of Commemoration Day, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed added that observing this day is a reflection of our leadership’s deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by our martyrs, stressing that they died to defend the values, protect the homeland and to help a brother in need and to restore justice.

Following is the full text of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's statement: "The United Arab Emirates has forged its way into existence through meticulous planning, hard work and unceasing sacrifices. This is a nation that values the precious sacrifices of its people, this is a nation that bestows upon its martyrs the highest order of honour.

"Every year on, the 30th of November, the people of the United Arab Emirates solemnly observe the Commemoration Day. As we remember our martyrs today, we are reminded that as a nation we are united by our abiding love of our motherland as much as by our absolute commitment to our values of peace and tolerance. As we remember those who gave up their lives for the sake of our nation, we are also reminded that no sacrifice is too great and no price is too high in the service of our motherland.

"Let us seize this moment to celebrate the glory of our martyrs. Let us tell their stories and speak of their values. They died to defend our values and to protect our homeland. They died to help a brother in need and to restore justice. They died believing in the values that were instilled in all of us by our founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

"When President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree to mark the 30th of November as "Commemoration Day", he was reflecting our pride in everything our martyrs stand for, he was reflecting our pride in their bravery and heroic sacrifice. He was also making it clear that as a nation, we do not forget nor betray our heroes who sacrificed their lives in battlefields of glory. Commemorating this day is also a reflection of our leadership’s deep appreciation of the sacrifices of our martyrs; a leadership represented by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates.

"Observance of Commemoration Day by the people, the leadership and the government of the United Arab Emirates, is also a gesture of respect and appreciation for the families of the martyrs, and an expression of commitment that the UAE stands by its people at all costs.

"Truly, our martyrs were nurtured by the love of our motherland. They made us proud and allowed us to stand high among nations. We owe it to our martyrs and their families and everyone who made a sacrifice for the sake of our beloved nation to bring to light their heroic actions and their ultimate acts of giving. Each one of their sacrifices adds a new chapter to our national odyssey. Their stories are our stories, their actions are part of our collective memory and their values are part of who we are. The stories of our martyrs will teach our children for eons to come that patriotic and heroic actions not only build and protect nations but also propel them into greatness.

"To speak of our martyrs is to speak of the members of our Armed Forces who achieved one victory after another as they stood steadfastly in defence of our nation and in support of humanitarian causes around the globe. The heroes of the armed forces are making sure day and night that our families and children are safe, that our borders are protected, that our skies are clear from danger and that our achievements are protected. The heroes of the armed forces keep our flag flying high at home and abroad. On this day and every other day, we salute the members of the Armed Forces.

"I want to make it clearer than ever that we do not forget or betray the sacrifices of our martyrs and this day, the 30th of November, will be commemorated in the UAE every single year. It is a day for those who died for the sake our motherland. It is a day for those will always be a source of pride to the UAE. It’s a day for our everlasting heroes.