Commemoration Day: UAE leaders pay tribute to the nation’s heroes

Commemoration Day recognises dedication and bravery of those in military and civilian service

Commemoration Day is held in memory of Emiratis who died in the line of duty.

UAE leaders have paid tribute to those who gave their lives in defence of their country.

Marking this year’s Commemoration Day, President Sheikh Khalifa spoke of the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes.

"November 30 is a day of pride and glory,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

“We will always remember as people and leadership, with appreciation and gratitude, our children who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation.

"They kept the UAE flag flying high as a symbol of strength, pride and resilience.

“The blood of our martyrs will adorn our chests with pride, and those of our children and grandchildren, as we create the next 50 years.”

Commemoration Day is held every year to recognise the dedication and bravery of those serving in military and civilian roles at home and abroad.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE would remember its martyrs.

“We thank Allah Almighty for blessing us with valiant men and women who have lived up to their promises to this nation," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"We commemorate today their children who responded to their call of duty, fought and died while defending our country, its dignity, sovereignty and independence."

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the martyrs were timeless symbols of patriotism.

"May our martyrs rest in peace. Their sacrifice remains the beacon that lights our path in difficult times," he said.

"On Martyrs Day, I would like to join the nation in paying tribute to their heroism and saluting their devotion to protecting our country and our people."

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said it was day to “salute the families of martyrs who have kept their promises and lost their lives to make the country stronger”.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, said November 30, 1971 was the day when the first Emirati gave his life for the country.

"Our noble martyrs’ efforts and sacrifices have been registered in our country’s history and will always be remembered by the UAE’s future generations,” he said.

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, said "our armed forces emphasise the principles of loyalty, pride and dignity. We are inspired by them."

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, also paid homage to the nation’s martyrs.

"Countries are only built by their citizens, and nations only rise through the sacrifices of their peoples,” he said.

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, also saluted the families of the martyrs.

“Greetings to every family that raised a martyr. The martyrs are the soul of the nation. Their memory shall remain immortal... they hastened to sacrifice their lives to keep the nation’s flag standing tall with pride.”

Anwar Gargash, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said it was a day to celebrate the chivalry and sacrifice of the martyrs.

“We celebrate the nation’s young men, their courage and sacrifice which protects the homeland and its people.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, remembered the brave men and women who gave up their lives defending the Emirates.

“Their memory will remain the source of motivation that pushes everyone to give their best. And we salute the mothers and spouses of martyrs.”

“On Commemoration Day, we feel loyal towards those with pure blood [martyrs]. We respect our martyrs who have defended the dignity of our homeland,” said Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

“With all gratitude and appreciation, we salute the martyrs’ families. To the fathers, mothers, siblings and children, who bear on their chests the greatest medal – the medal of sacrifice.”

The UAE's first astronaut also paid tribute to the country's fallen heroes with an "out of this world" image from the International Space Station.

"Today we pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for our nation. They raised our flag high and paved the way for us to continue on our journey of progress and scientific exploration," said Hazza Al Mansouri, sharing a photo of the Commemoration day logo in the ISS.

Each year on Commemoration Day, schools and offices across the country observe a minute’s silence.

The event has been marked each year since 2015 after a decree by Sheikh Khalifa.

Pictures of 2019 Commemoration Day ceremony at Wahat Al Karama