Martyrs show that nothing is more precious than the nation

The leadership of the United Arab Emirates focuses its attention on nationals in all spheres, where this has culminated in the annual celebration of the UAE Commemoration Day, thanks to the leaders' firm belief that Emiratis are the pillar of safety, security and immunity of the nation, said H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah.

"The celebration shows appreciation of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and all that is precious for their country and showed that nothing is more precious than the nation," H.H. Sheikh Saud said in a statement to the Dira' al Watan, Nation Shield, magazine on the occasion of the second UAE Commemoration Day, an annual observance to remember all those who fell while performing their national duties in the military or humanitarian fields both at home and overseas.

Sheikh Saud also paid tribute to the families of Emirati martyrs who took pride in their sons and were prepared to offer more sacrifices for the nation.

The RAK Ruler said, "The leadership of the United Arab Emirates focuses its attention on citizens in all spheres. This has culminated in the annual celebration of the UAE Commemoration Day, based on the leaders' firm belief that nationals are the pillar of safety, security and immunity of the nation.

"The celebration shows appreciation of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives and all that is precious for their country and showed that nothing is more precious than the nation. The epical heroism of the martyrs represent the best manifestation of cohesion between citizens and their leadership, as well as their unwavering belief in their wise and politically agile leaders who pursue a balanced approach in assessing situations for the good of the state and its stability and preserve its gains and assets."

H.H. Sheikh Saud said that heroes set the best examples when, with full strength and determination, they advanced into battlefields because they believe in the importance of defending what is right.

"Sacrificing their blessed blood, our martyrs showed their epic heroism for the sake of their faith and principles and in defence of their nation and sanctities. Their brothers followed suit and took over to complement the mission because they recognised how great the matchless sacrifices and courage of their brothers was.

Our wise leadership's sound decision to counter and deter the enemies of what is right has had great influence on the morale of Emiratis who have the confident belief that standing for, and defending their brothers in Yemen is part and parcel of the approach to defend the sovereignty and security of our beloved state.

Emiratis have shown their love and loyalty for their leadership and nation, which, without a doubt, stems from the legacy left behind by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on which his sons were raised and on which President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, God bless him, continues to build.

The martyrs were not the only heroes of sacrifice. Their families are taking positive and heroic attitudes, showing their pride in the fact that their beloved sons sacrificed their lives for the nation and the wise leadership. The best proof of this is their full preparedness to offer even more sacrifices and join their brother soldiers on battlefields.

What makes us even more proud on UAE Commemoration Day is the fact that the families of the martyrs are being taken good care of, thanks to the noble directives of the wise leadership of my brothers, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, which reflect the strong bond between the leaders and all their people. May God bless them all.

On UAE Commemoration Day, we become even more confident that rights are being defended by dauntless and intrepid men who are our source of pride. Martyrs have written a bright chapter in heroism for generations to come and their families, who all showed astounding firmness and courage to declare very clearly that their love for the nation is like no other love. They sincerely expressed this sentiment and loudly showed that they are ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation.

On this occasion, I once again thank my brothers, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as all Emiratis who all heroically showed how strong the bond is between the political leadership and its people. The leaders and the people are unified like one body and one mind.

I also want to thank our Armed Forces for their contributions and achievements and for making progress and excellence.

May God protect the UAE and the Emirati people."