General News, The Leader - 30 November, 2017

VP, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Rulers of Emirates attend Commemoration Day event in Abu Dhabi

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and of UAE 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, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates and Their Highnesses the Crown Princes and Deputy rulers, this morning attended Commemoration Day (Martyrs Day)'s events, which were held at the Martyrs Monument in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, also attended the events.

The event started with the entry of Their Highnesses to the Memorial Plaza, accompanied by a 21-gun salute, followed by the laying of wreaths at the memorial. Family members of UAE martyrs were presented with the Order of the Martyr by Their Highnesses to honour their sacrifice to the nation.

The event was the culmination of a day of remembrance for the UAE martyrs, with cannon fire and roaring jets in the blue skies as part of the proceedings.
Major-General Saleh Mohammad Al Ameri, Commander of the UAE Ground Forces, gave a rousing speech at the event on behalf of the martyrs’ families, saluting the bravery of the UAE’s Armed Forces and its soldiers who had laid down their lives to protect their country.

“Today, we are celebrating the November 30 as Commemoration Day, [which remembers] the country’s brave soldiers who have laid their lives down in service of the nation,” he said, as the audience of the UAE’s leaders and family members applauded, taking pride in their sons, fathers, and brothers. “Not only did these soldiers lay down their lives [for the nation], they also collaborated with international forces to restore peace and harmony in the region,” he added.

Maj-Gen Al Ameri also paid tribute to the armed forces of other countries which have been fighting side by side with the UAE to bring stability to the region.

“I also pay my heartfelt tribute to those soldiers who are collaborating with the UAE’s Armed Forces, fighting against extremist forces in the region. I salute those countries and their soldiers who were also martyred in restoring peace in the region.”

Later, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed inaugurated Wahat Al Karama’s interactive visitors centre.

The centre allows visitors to learn about the values of altruism that define the sacrifices of Emirati martyrs and heroes throughout history. Visitors can learn more about the UAE’s heroes, and how they served not only the nation, but also humanity.

The Rulers were briefed about the contents of the centre that includes pictures that narrate the UAE’s great humanitarian achievements, the aid it extends to friendly nations and needy people across the globe and its efforts to spread security.

Rulers then visited the presentation halls that inform visitors on why November 30 was designated as Commemoration Day. The date coincides with the martyrdom of Salem Suhail Bin Khamis Al Dahmani, who died in Greater Tunb Island on November 30, 1971, protecting the nation’s land.

The presentation halls are equipped with large interactive screens that inform visitors about the content of Wahat Al Karama, in addition to display screens that play the Commemoration Day film that was produced exclusively for this year’s Commemoration Day. The film highlights the immense value of the martyrs’ sacrifice and its role in strengthening social cohesion and national unity.

The centre also contains artworks dedicated to UAE martyrs, which comes as part of the Proud Expressions initiative by the Martyrs’ Families’ Affairs Office at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court.