Our feats nothing compared to martyrs', says Mohammed

Shaikh Mohammed chairing a Cabinet session held on Sunday at Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain, where President Shaikh Khalifa was born and raised. The Qasr was built over a century ago.

All our deeds and achievements are nothing compared to the sacrifices of the UAE's martyrs, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said.
In his speech on the first Martyrs' Day, which will be observed today, Shaikh Mohammed said: "We proclaim that they (martyrs) are brave people who wrote a new history and vanquished their enemies to bring victory, to defend against injustice and respond to the call of their leaders under all circumstances.
"On this great day, the UAE, its people and history commemorate those brave people who sacrificed their lives and hoisted its flag high. We and our brothers celebrate Commemoration Day with a new spirit in our country, in which we feel pride for those who sacrificed their lives to protect the security of their country and future of the region."
Shaikh Mohammed vowed to continue their march of sacrifice and commemorate their anniversary "as long as we live".
"We also celebrate and honour their parents and families who sacrificed their sons, and, at the same time, are ready to make more sacrifices. We also celebrate and honour the injured soldiers who have sworn to return to the battlefield, to continue the march of honour and acts of heroism.
"We celebrate the sons of martyrs who are (content) ... with their fathers' sacrifices and deeds," said Shaikh Mohammed.
He said Commemoration Day marks the beginning of a new era in the UAE - an era of sacrifice for the sake of the homeland, an era of those who are ready to sacrifice "every precious thing" for the sake of the nation's future.
"National Day this year is a source of double happiness and pride, as this year's celebration is dedicated to our martyrs and our top achievements; the sacrificing of our sons for the sake of defending the right and supporting legitimacy, preserving the security and stability of GCC states and the homeland of the Two Holy Mosques," he said.
As the country celebrates its 44th National Day, it has become stronger and more stable, and its people more cohesive, said Shaikh Mohammed. - Wam