DUBAI // The UAE’s Commemoration Day will become part of the nation’s history and allow future generations to remember those who sacrificed themselves in the name of their country, a Dubai Police chief said.
Officers from the emirate’s force held a ceremony at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club attended by families of martyrs and high-ranking officials, including Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Lt Gen Dhahi Khalfan, deputy chief of Dubai Police and general security, and Yemen’s minister of human rights, Ezzedine Al Asbahi.
“We salute the martyrs, their parents, their wives, their children,” said Lt Gen Khalfan.
“The children of Zayed will not forget their brothers who were martyred, a promise by our ruler and every citizen.
“Today, on Commemoration Day, you are in our hearts.”
Col Jassem Al Mirza, director of security awareness at Dubai Police, said the day honoured those who had laid down their lives and would be marked for generations to come.
“This day will become part of UAE history and our future generations will know this day and about the martyrs’ sacrifices,” he said. “The efforts put forth by all the country’s establishments to mark this day show that it is important.”
Col Al Mirza, who knew one of the servicemen who died in Yemen, said: “We hope they rest in peace and our thoughts are with the families of the martyrs who we promise will not be forgotten.”
Lt Col Ahmad Al Mansouri, director of the Rights and Freedoms Protection unit at the Human Rights Department, said he was honoured to mark Commemoration Day.
“Today is a great day and the martyrs’ sacrifices will not be forgotten, neither will their efforts to restore the legitimate authority of Yemen,” he said.
Lt Col Al Mansouri, who is from Ras Al Khaimah, said that he would teach his children about the day’s meaning.
“We have family, friends and neighbours serving in the Armed Forces and I want to tell my children about what is happening today, including the honouring of the families of the martyrs,” he said, adding that defending one’s country was the most
noble thing that a person could be called upon to do.
Lt Marwan Al Shaiba, from Dubai Police’s Human Rights Department, said that today’s events would touch many families who had loved ones serving in the army.
“This is the first year we mark this day for our martyrs and we empathise with their families and are thankful for their efforts,” he said. “I have relatives in the army and, thank God, they are still in good health, but they should serve as examples for future generations.”
Lt Ahmad Al Balushi, also from the Human Rights Department, said that almost all UAE citizens knew someone or had relatives in the Armed Forces.
“This event is to remember the martyrs and honour them and it’s something very simple compared with the great thing that they have done,” said Lt Al Balushi, who is from Sharjah.
“They are our pride, and we hope they rest in peace.
“We need to tell our children the stories of our heroes.”
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae