Sheikh Khalifa: ‘We are inspired by patriotism of our heroes’

November 30, 2015

Commemoration Day will unite the Emirati people UAE leadership prays for all servicemen who fell Memorial website launched for UAE heroes UAE’s first Commemoration Day will go down in history Emiratis keen to follow example set by heroes Topics: UAE military Sheikh Khalifa ABU DHABI // President Sheikh Khalifa has ordered that Emiratis who have fallen in the line of national duty be awarded the Martyr Medal on Monday – the first Commemoration Day.

Sheikh Khalifa said the medals would be awarded at an official ceremony to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

“Commemoration Day is a landmark national occasion in our country – a day on which we are inspired by the patriotism of our heroes, take them as our role models in the defence of our dear homeland and pray to Almighty God to rest their souls in Paradise, granting patience and solace to their bereaved families,” he said.

“Nations only grow by the heroic acts of their valiant servicemen, who are recorded in the annals of history for their ultimate sacrifices.

“It is through these sacrifices that we build the strength and glory and pride of our nation in current and future generations.”

Sheikh Khalifa assured the families of fallen servicemen that all of their needs would be met.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said that the families of the fallen should also be honoured.

“On this great day the UAE, its people and history commemorate those brave people who sacrificed their lives and hoisted its flag high,” he said.

“We feel pride for those brave heroes as we show them every respect and appreciation. All our deeds and achievements can not be compared to theirs.

“We proclaim that they are brave people who wrote a new history and vanquished their enemies to bring victory, to defend against injustice and respond to the call of their leadership in all circumstances

Photo: The General Headquarters of the Armed Forces last week celebrated the graduation of the fourth group of national military service and reserve recruits.

Emiratis keen to follow example set by heroes

November 30, 2015

Commemoration Day will unite the Emirati people Memorial website launched for UAE heroes UAE’s first Commemoration Day will go down in history Staff and pupils at Ajman school plant palms in memory of martyrs Sheikh Khalifa: ‘We are inspired by patriotism of our heroes’ Topics: UAE military National service

DUBAI // Emiratis have been even more motivated to serve their country in the Armed Forces by the sacrifices made by soldiers, a survey shows.

The YouGov study was conducted in the build-up to the nation’s first Commemoration Day on Monday and reported that 56 per cent of the 941 respondents are more willing to take part in military service.

Another 78 per cent believe that the loss of Emirati soldiers had strengthened the country’s resolve and determination.

“Speaking out passionately about this new day of remembrance, both Emiratis [78 per cent] and expatriates [80 per cent] strongly believe they are united in sympathy and appreciation to remember the fall of UAE martyrs,” YouGov said.

Eighty-two per cent of residents agree that the country has a duty to remember those who give up their lives to protect it.

“In the wake of the heroes falling in Yemen, 81 per cent of respondents also believe people of the UAE and the country’s leadership have shown strong cohesion,” YouGov said.

The online poll also found that 77 per cent of those questioned believe the UAE’s media has displayed “strong unity and cooperation” while covering the conflict in Yemen.

Almost half of the respondents say providing support and condolences to families who have lost loved ones is the best tribute to their memories.

Another 38 per cent say offers of condolences from the country’s leaders to families is the best tribute.

The vast majority of those surveyed – 86 per cent – say they knew Commemoration Day was on Monday.

Of those, a third say they will be taking part in a special event, while 44 per cent are not sure.

Sacrifice and patriotism, at 57 per cent and 45 per cent, are the words most strongly associated with Commemoration Day.

These were closely followed by honour, 36 per cent, and pride at 31 per cent.

A sense of pride is also a more popular sentiment among Emiratis at 48 per cent, compared with 29 per cent for expatriates.

About 45 per cent will mark Commemoration Day in some way.

Another 27 per cent will offer prayers and 8 per cent will take part in flag rituals.  

Fifty-two per cent of Emiratis are more likely to observe the event, compared with 32 per cent of expats.