30 November is observed as Commemoration Day for the country's heroes in the UAE. This is celebrated each year, though this year it was observed on 29th November. We look at the history behind the observance previously known as martyrs day, how it is celebrated each year and find out about the heroes' memorial in Abu Dhabi.
Though commemoration day is usually observed on 30th November, this year it was marked a day earlier on 29th November. It was announced that this would not be a holiday, though it would be observed across the country. The observance is a solemn occasion that remembers Emirati martyrs, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country at home and abroad in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.
Flags were raised to half-mast at 8 AM at government buildings. Thereafter government and civil entities observe one minute silence from 11.30 to 11.31. Children in many schools do the same. Following this, the flag was raised to the accompaniment of the UAE national anthem.
The Wahat Al Karama translates to ‘oasis of dignity’. It is the memorial built in memory of the fallen soldiers and is located between the General Headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It consists of aluminium tablets, signifying unity and mutual support between citizens and the servicemen and women who protect them.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and the rulers of the emirates visited the heroes’ memorial to mark the occasion on Thursday. It was a solemn occasion with soldiers marching to the beat of the military band, jets performing a fly-past and the rulers of the UAE placing wreaths.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi spoke about the soldiers whose " memory will remain in our consciousness" and how the families of these soldiers remain "at the heart of the nation".
The families of the heroes who lost their lives have spoken about their loss with grief, recalling the details of the incident wherein their loved ones had perished. Though they mourn their heroes even today, they do so knowing that their loved ones died in service of the nation and their fellow human beings.
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