UAE leaders say sacrifices of military heroes will never be forgotten

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed paid tribute to the Armed Forces on Commemoration Day

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed paid tribute to the armed forces on Commemoration Day. Photo: Rashed Al Mansoori

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, promised on Commemoration Day that the UAE shall not forget those who sacrificed their lives in defence of their country.

Sheikh Mohammed saluted the nation's heroes on social media to mark the occasion.

His words, shared with his 10.7 million Twitter followers, were accompanied by a video that honoured the Armed Forces.

"On Martyr’s Day, we bear witness that our heroes sacrificed their lives for their country," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"The people of the UAE testify that they are the people of glory and honour. The history of the UAE bears witness that they brilliantly demonstrated their perpetuity and sacrifices for the sake of their country.

"May God have mercy on our martyrs. May God have mercy on our heroes. We shall not forget them. The future generations shall not forget them."

Commemoration Day was marked by a minute's silence at 11.30am on Tuesday, November 30, with a public holiday to follow on Wednesday.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, also wrote on social media to share a special message.

"Today we pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives while serving and protecting our nation," he wrote.

"Their courage and sacrifice will inspire future generations and their memory will live forever in the history of the UAE.

"We salute their families and we pray that they rest in peace."

President Sheikh Khalifa introduced Commemoration Day in 2015.

It originally took place on November 30 to commemorate the death of Salem Suhail Khamis, who died on that date in 1971 fighting against Iranian forces on the island of Greater Tunb. He is thought to have been the first Emirati killed in the military service of the UAE.