“Great nations are built on sacrifice and loyalty.” With this brief statement, UAE President HH Sh. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressed the foundation for the building of nations and civilizations and revealed the true meaning of sacrifice by the martyrs to their countries. Sacrifice is not only to make a major contribution to a military victory, to defend the principles of what is right and the triumph of the oppressed and the relief of the needy, but also the solid foundation on which civilizations and nations are based.
Sacrifice and loyalty go hand in hand. They are the foundation of the building of great nations. History tells us that without the sacrifices of the martyrs in every nation, civilizations would not have grown.
Therefore, any civilized nation values its children, remembers its martyrs, and looks at them as icons of victory and hope. As we commemorate the martyrs of the UAE, on their anniversary, we celebrate their heroic memories. They sacrificed the most precious thing a man has, his life, to keep their country’s flag high. The martyrs are the heart of the nation, the neck bone of the country as described by HH Sh. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The commemoration of Martyrs’ Day is not limited to recalling the memories of heroism and glory, but a recurring moment to instill loyalty, belonging to the nation and leadership in the hearts of our new generations. The sacrifice of our soldiers in Southern Arabia will remain one of the most important ties of brotherly bonds between the UAE and Yemen. The sons of the Emirates stood in the defense of the same moral principles and human values as our founding fathers.
Martyrs’ Day coincides with the National Day celebrations, where patriotic sentiments pervade across the nation. Martyrs have as special place to God Almighty, and to their people too.
Commemoration Day is also an occasion to honor the mothers and families of martyrs, who, through patience, steadfastness and love for their homeland, gave the greatest examples of loyalty.
Martyrs’ Day is the day we celebrate those who matter the most to our country. May God bless their souls, families, children, our country and wise leadership.
