Our country is full of pride for our fallen heroes

Youth in the UAE must be proud of the words by the President (Sheikh Khalifa: 'We are inspired by patriotism of our heroes, November 29).

Although patriotism about the heroes' lives will continue indefinitely, peace must also be a focus for the next generation of Emiratis. There should not be any compromise in the struggle to maintain harmony within society while also respecting those who sacrificed their lives. They must be held in the highest regard.

It is equally important to remember the fallen heroes' families – and particularly their children – on this occasion, as this inspires the upcoming generation to realise the value of commitment and dedication they have with their fellow countrymen and their country.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

In view of the recent martyrdom of a number of brave and dedicated Emirati soldiers during their units' operations in Yemen, this year's observance of Commemoration Day has special resonance.

As a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army who was based in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, I would like to express my personal condolences to the gracious Emirati people, the GHQ of the Emirates Armed Forces and Presidential Guard, and the Office of Martyrs' Affairs.

Stephen H Franke, US

The fallen soldiers have forever influenced the strong sense of patriotism in the UAE and the need to stay united as one family against all present and future challenges.

Based on all the survey results I'm familiar with, the union will only grow stronger in face of all these challenges. Great leaders pave the way for these fallen Emirati soldiers to live on in posterity.

Name withheld by request

'Greasy sanctuary' was my haven

Like Zaineb Al Hassani relates in her article, The greasy sanctuary: why Burger King was the place to be seen in 1990s Abu Dhabi (November 28), I am one of those innocents who misses those days.

It was really a different place, compared to the way people spend their time nowadays. It just goes to show that life never remains the same.

Amir Maqsood, Abu Dhabi

The arcade games at the Corniche Dairy Queen were also always something to which I looked forward.

Like some of those quoted by Al Hassani, I must have watched the ThunderCats VHS tape I received from Hardees a thousand times over.

Sohan Dsouza, US

This is so true. Burger King was also my friends' hangout all those years ago.

Chrissie Pretorius, Abu Dhabi

Safety failings revealed by rain

The shocking aspect of your story (Qatar bans contractors leaving country in rain-damage probe, November 28) is that substandard infrastructure revealed by last week's heavy downpour clearly indicates that the construction was not in accordance to the safety regulations and that quality had been compromised.

It is astonishing that these buildings could not withstand the rain despite costing millions of dollars. If these buildings crumble in rain, would they be safe in a major catastrophe? Sadly, it seems that quality, safety and durability come second to the rapid pace of development.

It seems fair to me that the contractors and engineers who worked on these projects are barred from leaving the country until an investigation can conclude who is to blame for these shortcomings.

Name withheld by request

I would raise the prospect of also including the building inspectors who provided the completion certificates prior to the buildings being handed over to the owners.

Simon Buckerfield, Ras Al Khaimah

What is Trump's appeal all about?

With regard to your story, Should the world fear the Trump ascendancy? (November 29), Mr Trump appeals to haters, and the US has a lot of haters at the moment.

The people who like Mr Trump and his bluster are upset and disenfranchised with the current regime.

David Debye, US

What it says is that we in the US are tired of all the "political correctness", we are tired of being treated like second-class citizens in our own country, second to illegal immigrants who receive more rights and benefits than our beloved veterans.

Samantha Anderson, Dubai