Our heroes' sacrifices will forever be in our hearts and minds

The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has released a statement expressing his tribute to those who have sacrificed their souls defending the nation, the Emirati martyrs, the bearers of the principles of virtue and dignity, who have pledged their lives defending the rights of their homeland and nation.

In a statement to Nation Shield magazine on the occasion of the UAE’s second marking of Commemoration Day, which is held tomorrow, November 30th, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "Today, we gather as leaders and peoples of the nation to salute our heroes, to honour their memory, and to also remind everyone that their sacrifices will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds."

His Highness continued, "Our martyrs' loved ones are just as precious to us as our own, and their noble goals, for which they have sacrificed their lives, will be held as a badge of honour until the end of time."

"We all stand today, on this occasion, in reverence of those who have pledged their lives in support of the homeland and the nation."

He continued, "We, today, also greet and express appreciation, pride and gratitude to our valiant security and relief forces, and civil protection personnel, for all their efforts and vigilance in ensuring the security of the citizens, residents and visitors of this country."

"Today, we also rally around the families of our martyrs, embracing their sons and daughters, and comforting their parents and spouses. We reiterate our promise in continuing to care for them, and ensuring their comfort. We further ask God Almighty to compensate them for their loss and for their unlimited patience," he told the magazine.

"Today, we also fondly and very proudly remember our people’s embrace of their nation’s martyrs and that of their families, a very powerful depiction of the strength of this nation and its national identity, as well as its unity and solidarity against adversity."

"I would like to thank my sons and daughters for commemorating this day in a way that befits the sacrifices of our heroes."

"I would like to also express my thanks and appreciation to the father of the martyrs, my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his continued efforts and his full embrace of our martyrs," he added.

In conclusion, the Ruler of Dubai said, "Also, to my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for his good graces towards his martyr siblings, and for his appreciation and personal attention, ensuring that their families and children are well looked after."