Sheikh Mohammed ushers in new era as UAE marks day of remembrance

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Sheikh Mohammed ushers in new era as UAE marks day of remembrance The UAE has entered a “new era” in which young men are ready to give their lives for the safety and security of their country, the prime minister has said. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was speaking as the nation today marks the first Commemoration Day. Servicemen killed in Yemen and other conflicts will be remembered. A one-minute silence will be observed at 11.30am as a tribute. Commemoration Day, originally named Martyrs’ Day, will see flags flown at half mast between 8am and 11.30am on November 30. Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement issued by state news agency WAM: “Commemoration Day marks the beginning of a new era in the UAE, an era of sacrifice for the sake of the homeland, an era of those who are ready to sacrifice every precious thing for the sake of the nation’s future and enhance cohesion and integration with its leadership, aimed to safeguard its stability and interests.” Referring to its coinciding with this week’s 44th National Day on Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Brothers, National Day this year is a source of double happiness and pride, as this year’s celebration is dedicated to our martyrs and our top achievements; the sacrificing of our sons for the sake of defending the right and supporting legitimacy, preserving the security and stability of GCC states and homeland of the Two Holy Mosques.” The UAE is currently participating in its biggest military operation to date, which has seen Arab coalition forces confront Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The campaign has claimed the lives of at least 70 UAE soldiers so far, including more than 50 in a rocket strike on a UAE base in September. The UAE Air Force also carried out strikes in the United States-led campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) earlier this year. In a statement to mark Commemoration Day, UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan 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 by our martyrs that we build the strength and glory and pride of our nation in the current and future generations.” HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also said: “The anniversary we mark today represents the noblest values of patriotism, loyalty, belonging and dedication: Commemoration Day. “It is the day of honour and pride, the day to pay tribute to our intrepid martyrs, celebrating their bravery, determination and sacrifice.” Prayers for the fallen soldiers were performed by the country’s leaders at yesterday’s cabinet meeting at Qasr al Muwaiji in Al Ain. wafa.issa@7days.ae Read the original story at: Sheikh Mohammed ushers in new era as UAE marks day of remembrance