Emiratis and expatriates agree that those men and women who gave their lives serving their country are deserving of the highest praise and the gratitude of all who live here safely because of their sacrifice.
ABU DHABI // Emiratis and expatriates expressed their pride and gratitude to the UAE’s heroes as the country marks Commemoration Day.
On Wednesday, the nation will come together to pay tribute to the dedication of the men and women who have laid down their lives at home and abroad to serve and protect their country.
Ceremonies will take place across the seven emirates, when residents and citizens will remember and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as their families.
Now in its second year, Commemoration Day is an important date in the UAE’s calendar and a chance for today’s – and tomorrow’s – generation to salute the bravery of the Armed Forces.
Aisha Al Mazrou, 38, an Emirati from Sharjah, plans to send her two sons, Sultan and Ahmad, aged 10 and 7, to military school once they reach Grade 7.
“They teach children how to lead an army life from a young age,” said the mother of five.
“Families here aren’t afraid to hand over their children to go to war. When we hear from every family that their children died for this country, we are sad but at the same time we are proud because they will be honoured.”
She said marking this day was crucial for the younger generation of Emiratis to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect them.
“We have to honour them and thank their families,” Ms Al Mazrou said. “The families should grow with their children loving this country because it has given us a lot. We as Emiratis are very happy, as are many expatriates I know, because the UAE is a peaceful country.”
For Sara Al Madani, a 30-year-old Emirati from Sharjah, the UAE’s heroes should always be remembered for what they did for society and for who they were.
“When military service started, it was new to us and we were scared because we were not used to it,” she said. “We have cousins and brothers so we didn’t know what to do nor what to expect, but we understand now that the picture is much bigger than what we drew in our minds.
“It’s sacrifice and commitment and whatever we feel is much smaller than the goodwill these people have, which is just to protect us.”
She said she would have signed up had she not had a child.
“I said this to my mother this week. I know a lot of people who are serving in the army. The youth and the movement towards the service itself has increased a lot because the culture is changing and we’re understanding that this is something we have to do.”
For others, Commemoration Day is all about unity.
“I feel these people are like my brothers, my sisters and my family because we are all Emiratis from all seven emirates uniting in one hand,” said Khaled Al Balooshi, from Al Ain. “I would definitely send my children, as my sister has with her children. It’s something I feel very proud of.”
His cousins are serving in the army, although his business prevents him from joining up. “If I didn’t have my own business, I would have gone with them,” the 33-year-old said.
“Whenever the leaders need us for something this important, we do it. If, God forbid, anything happens, we serve as a back-up.”
Mariam Habib, 29, an Egyptian living in Abu Dhabi, said she was impressed by the UAE’s leaders.
“They are a great example to the rest of the Arab world,” she said. “I definitely feel safe living in the UAE and it’s really commendable how Emiratis happily serve their country. I wish we could see more of this throughout the region because there is a lack of solidarity when it comes to this.”
Ahmad Issa, a 34-year-old Dubai resident, said paying tribute to the heroes was an important gesture from the country.
“It shows they did not die in vain, they died defending their country, which is something their families should be proud of,” said Mr Issa, who is from Lebanon. “I know the feeling of having family members enrol in the army at home and it’s definitely not an easy thing to go through.
“But serving your country is a national duty and one that everyone should take seriously, especially during these troubled times and living in such an unstable region. These people’s lives should be remembered.”
cmalek@thenational.ae