ABU DHABI // Commemoration Day will unite the Emirati people, say family members of the fallen servicemen who are being honoured.
Al Metaredh Al Afari, 50, who lost his father when he was 10 because of an illness in Al Hamra base, where he was stationed at that time, said the initiative was not new to the UAE’s leaders.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces] has a great role in commemorating the martyrs,” said Mr Al Afari.
“This is not new to him, he has been remembering families of all fallen men and honouring them generously since he took the position as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, not only after the recent Yemen attacks.”
Hessa Al Qadhi, mother of First Lt Tariq Al Shehi, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Bahrain in March last year, said Commemoration Day was a chance to remember the virtues and bravery of the country’s fallen soldiers.
“I remember my son every day, and I reckon every family thinks about their sons, but on Martyr’s Day the whole nation will remember the souls that passed away in defending this great country of ours,” she said.
Ahmed Al Shehi, Al Shehi’s nephew, said: “This day will bring all Emiratis together, a day of pride and unity so that all can remember the brave soldiers who defended the country.”
Balqees Al Saadi, 21, who lost her brother in September in the Yemen attacks that killed dozens of servicemen, said the day marked the recognition of martyrs.
“Commemoration Day marks a great value for the martyrs, to preserve their memory in recognition of their sacrifices and of all the nation’s brave martyrs who gave their souls to have the UAE flag raised high as they perform their national duty inside the country and outside in battlefields.”
Shamma Al Megbali, 16, who also lost her half-brother in the Yemen attack, said she and her family were filled with feelings of pride.
“Commemoration Day entrenches the idea of the brave soldiers who have given their souls for the country, including by brother Omar,” she said.
alkhoori@thenational.ae
tzriqat@thenational.ae
› On the UAE’s first Commemoration Day we honour the sacrifice of our fallen brothers. Click on the image below to enlarge:
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
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