Exactly at noon on Monday, the U.A.E. witnessed a historic moment when the U.A.E. people and its leadership responded to the call of duty. Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, hoisted the U.A.E. flag yesterday at the Zayed Military City in the presence of the air, land and naval forces.
In his statement on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said, "This flag was hoisted by Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid and other founding fathers, who devoted their lives for its sake and were followed by hundreds of Emiratis who pledged to sacrifice theirs for its sake so that it continues to be hoisted high across the country." 'Today, you are completing a march that was started by Sheikh Zayed and is being led by Khalifa, including thousands of work teams all over the country," Sheikh Mohammed said.
He also added, "The U.A.E.'s march has built a country, hoisted a flag among all nations, built human resources, achieved a cultural renaissance and its charitable work has reached all over the globe." 'We renew our commitment to serve the U.A.E. people's pride and dignity and it is being protected by its Armed Forces.' On the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed attended a selected parade performed by the Armed Forces, with the participation of a number of the U.A.E.'s air, land and naval forces. He was also briefed by Staff Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of National and Reserve Service Authority on the latest development and achievements of the Authority.
Sheikh Mohammed commended the youth's response to the call of duty and enrolling in the national reserve service, saying, "Protection of the country's independence and sovereignty is a national and sacred duty and enrolling in the Armed Forces recruitment centres is a matter of honour." He also added that the youth are the protectors, the shield of the country and the homeland's responsibility is their responsibility.
Among those who attended the event were H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs, Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, Staff Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of National and Reserve Service Authority, Lt. General Misbah bin Rashid AI Fattan, Director of the Office of the Vice-President and a number of senior military officers.
Addressing those newly recruited into the national service, who had also participated in hoisting the U.A.E. flag, Sheikh Mohammed said, "We are proud of your enthusiasm and the desire to serve your country and it will be a role model for the coming generations. Now, you are the future soldiers, you should shoulder your responsibilities so as to continue the national march."
Sheikh Mohammed added, "Forty years ago, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid hoisted the flag and we followed them and, today, you and members of the U.A.E. Armed Forces officers are hoisting the flag high to safeguard the country's pride and gains." He also urged them to train seriously, and obey trainers and military commanders to defend the homeland, people and national achievements, side by side with the U.A.E. Armed Forces.
Sheikh Mohammed also expressed his pleasure in the enrolment of women in the training course, saying, "You are a source of pride for your leaders and people, and your courage affirms our vision that you are a prominent component of human resources in our Arab and Muslim society. I appreciate your high national morale, which reflects the spirit of national cohesion and solidarity among various segments of our people".
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan on national service objectives, which are represented by the national values and cohesion among all segments of the people and its leadership through boosting belonging and loyalty to the homeland and its wise leadership." At the conclusion of the event, the Vice President extended thanks to the Chairman of the National Service Authority and members for their efforts.