H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has paid tribute to the UAE martyrs who sacrificed their lives while performing their national duty in military and humanitarian arenas.

In a statement published by Nation Shield to mark Commemoration Day, Sheikh Humaid said that the UAE had adopted the policy of supporting the right and peace, helping the needy and rising to the defence of the oppressed.

"The UAE has proved that through the blood of its own children, it continues to uphold these principles, which were championed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," Sheikh Humaid said.

He continued by saying that the 30th of November, marked as Commemoration Day under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is a day of pride and patriotism.

"On this day, we pay tribute to our heroes, who offered their lives for their motherland, while performing their military and humanitarian duties in the UAE and abroad," he said.

"We are proud of our honest, sincere and devoted martyrs. They died while raising the banner of the right, returning legitimacy in Yemen and while defending our Gulf. They wrote with their blood an epic of sacrifice and steadfastness. For them, every day in the battle ground was a day of pride and honour."

Sheikh Humaid described Commemoration Day as the day when the martyrs of the UAE are remembered and when Emiratis' heads are held high in pride of their heroic sacrifices.

"On the 30th of November, we celebrate gallantry and loyalty. We renew our commitment to never forget their acts of bravery. Every martyr, be it a serviceman or a civilian, has become a national legend, a shining example of patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice."

Sheikh Humaid praised the solidarity shown by the leadership and people of the UAE with the martyrs families was yet another example of the nation's cohesion.

"This is another example of a progressive and civilized nation that values its people. By honouring the martyrs and rallying behind their leadership, the people of the UAE demonstrate the highest sense of national responsibility," he added.

Sheikh Humaid also applauded the decision by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to establish the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office, MFAO, at the Court of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, saying the decision shows the amount of appreciation by the leadership of the sacrifices and giving of the martyrs.

"The message of the MFAO far transcends providing services to the martyrs' families. It signifies the close bonds between the UAE leadership and people. It is a message to the whole world that our hero martyrs will never be forgotten."

Sheikh Humaid concluded his statement by praying to Allah Almighty to bless the souls of all Emirati martyrs with mercy in Paradise and to grant their families patience and fortitude.