King voices pride in Bahraini people's achievements, patriotism

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised at Al Sakhir Palace today a ceremony on the Kingdom's celebrations of its National Days on December 16 and 17, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 43rd Anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member and the 15th Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's Accession to the Throne.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier were also present.
Upon arrival, HM the King was welcomed by the Royal Court Minister, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, National Guard Commander and Interior Minister.
Then, HM the King delivered the following keynote address to the nation:
"In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
"Grace be to God and peace be upon his messenger Prophet Mohammed, and upon his family, companions and followers
"Your Excellencies and Honorable guests.
"Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you,
"We are pleased that we celebrate today the anniversary of the National Day, as we mark every year on the 16th and 17th of the month of December the anniversary of the establishment of an independent Bahraini state in 1783, in the era of the founder Ahmed Al Fateh, God bless him, and the passing of 43 years of the accession of Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations as a full member state, and on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of our Accession to the Throne.
"We recall the glorious deeds of our forefathers in spreading the spirit of coexistence, tolerance and love among all the people of this good land of different faiths, without distinction or discrimination in our beloved country.
"We thank the Almighty God who made it possible for our Kingdom to witness these events and historical memories throughout our glorious history, until the Kingdom of Bahrain became a fully independent state, contributing positively and effectively to the building of human civilisation, believing in the principles of peace, harmony, coexistence and respect among nations and peoples. We affirm Bahrain's positive presence in the Arab and Islamic world and seeking the good of a strong Arabian Gulf, with a unified will and goals.
"Today on the anniversary of this glorious occasions, we express our pride in the work accomplished by our dear people, who proved their high level of patriotism manifested in the recent parliamentary and municipal elections in which our loyal people showed their loyalty and devotion to the nation and the constitution.
"Distinguished guests
"We are delighted today to have the opportunity to present our deepest gratitude and appreciation to all personnel of the Bahrain Defense Force, Public Security and the National Guard for their sincere efforts to maintain the security and stability of the nation.
"As we are accustomed every year to honor outstanding national efforts on this auspicious occasion, we are pleased today to honor the efforts of the pioneers of national work for their outstanding and dedicated contributions in serving this beloved nation and community.
"Today, we put our hands with yours; the hands of those that believe in building, growth, freedom, tolerance and coexistence.
"In conclusion, we pray to God Almighty to continue make our National Days happy occasions in which we celebrate great achievements and plan for further progress and prosperity.
"We ask God Almighty to bring us together, protect our precious Kingdom and continue to grace us with the blessings of safety, security and peace. For He listens to and answers our prayers.
"May peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you."
After that, HM the King honoured national work pioneers.
The honouree list included:
- Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani
- Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla
- Ali Khalifa Al Fadhel
- Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa.
- Brigadier-General Yussef Rashid Flaifel
- Staff-Colonel Abdulrahman Khalifa Al-Buainain.
- Staff-Colonel Salim Mohammed Abdul Razzak Al-Shaikh
- Brigadier-General Ala Al Din Abdulla SIyadi
- Brigadier-General Waleed Rabea Hamad Al-Snan
- Lieutenant-Colonel Abdulla Isa Al-Hadi
- Youssef Tami Al-Zayed
- Shawqi Hamad Al-Dosary
- Shaikha Lamiya bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
- Youssef Abul Hussain Khalaf
- Youssef Ali Abdul Qader
- Dr. Ronald Koller
- Ambassador Nasser Mohammed Al-Blushi
- Maasouma Abdul Rasool Isa
- Isa Mohammed Abdulraheem Al-Refae
- Adel Ahmed Al Safar
- Abdulmajeed Bashir Al-Qassab
- Dr. Zakariya Sultan Al-Abbassi
- Dr. Noora Ahmed Al-Ghatam
- Dr. Ali Mansoor Al-Shehab
- Dr. Najwa Abullatif Janahi
- Haifa Abdul Saheb Al-Derazi
- Salah Ebrahim Nasser Al Fadhala
- Fatima Mahmoud Youssef
- Shaikha Hanan bint Hassan Al Khalifa
- Fatima Abdulraheem Al-Mansouri
- Ahmed Jaafar Al-Haiki
- Maher Yunes Salah Al-Anees
- Dr. Ridha Ali Ebrahim
- Adel Sultan Al-Mutawa
- Abbas Ali Abbas Khamis
- Ala Mohammed Abdulraheem Mahmoud
- Dr. Hatem Ahmed Al-Saridi
- Abdulla Ahmed Al Blushi
- Fareed Ebrahim Qambar
- Mohammed Khalifa Hassan Yaseen
- Adel Ameer Rajab
- Khalifa Ebrahim Al-Mansoor
- Khadija Ali Al Hashimi
- Khalid Ahmed Bu Rashid
- Ali Ahmed Mohammed
- Adnan Abdulrahman Al Ahmed.
Then, Dr. Ali Mansoor Al-Shehab delivered a statement on behalf of the honourees.
He expressed the Bahraini people's unwavering loyalty to the nation and allegiance to HM the King.
He voiced pride in being honoured by HM King Hamad on the Kingdom's glorious National Days, praising the landmark achievements attained by the country in all fields during HM the King's prosperous era.
After that, HM the King was presented with a commemorative gift by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Commander of the Royal Guard Staff-Colonel Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa marking the 15th Anniversary of HM's Accession to the Throne.