Commemoration Day, formerly known as Martyrs' Day (Arabic: يوم الشهيد), is a national holiday in the United Arab Emirates. Observed from 30 November to 1 December, it acknowledges the commitment and sacrifices of Emirati martyrs who have delivered their lives in the field of military, civil, and humanitarian benefits. The day is a substantial holiday on November 30 and a public holiday on December 1. Before 2019, the observance and public holiday were both held on November 30th.
Commemoration Day 2023 Date
Commemoration Day, also called Martyrs' Day, is observed by the United Arab Emirates. It is a National holiday in Remembrance of fallen soldiers. A minute's silence is observed on 30 November and the next day is a public holiday on 1 December. In 2023, Commemoration Day observation will begin on Thursday, 30 November, and will end on 1 December.
History of Commemoration Day
The Day of Commemoration was observed First time in 2015 as Martyrs Day. It was started by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On August 19, 2015, the date of Al Dahmani's death was declared as Martyrs Day. On 30 November 1971, Salem Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani was the first Emirati policeman to die. He was killed during the exploitation of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by Iranian forces soon before the UAE’s formation. Al Dahmani directed a 6-member police force in Greater Tunb. The island was intruded on by Iran on the eve of the UAE Federation. He declined to lessen the flag of Ras Al Khaimah, and he was killed by the Iranian navy.
Commemoration Day Observances
Commemorative and national events and ceremonies are organized across states on December 1. All state organizations, educational institutions, nationals, and non-nationals are being engaged to nurture, promote, and memorize the significance of sacrifice, devotion, and loyalty, of the UAE locals who sacrificed their lives in fights of heroism, commitment, and national obligation. The holiday honors the heroes with countrywide remembrance of those who offered their spirits for their land.
How to Observe Commemoration Day
1. PAY HOMAGE
On the occasion of the Day of Commemoration, remember the departed soul for their heroic acts. Participate in any commemorative program to honor the great souls who sacrificed their lives for peace in the land.
2. OBSERVE A ONE-MINUTE SILENCE
Show your gratitude for the fallen UAE policemen by observing a minute of silence on December 30.
3. ENCOURAGE YOUTH
Encourage youngsters to join the UAE Police Department to serve their homeland. You can do this by holding an interesting session in schools or colleges.
4. VISIT MARTYRED FAMILIES
Visit the family of Salem Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani who gave away his life for the sake of his land. Ask about the condition of their family and how are they coping with life. You can also visit the families of the people who died serving the Emirati Police force.
5. GIVE GIFTS
Offer your gratitude to the current members of Emirati policemen by giving them some simple gifts as a token of appreciation. This will boost their interest in protecting our states and ensure safety.
Commemoration Day Quotes
Below we have added a collection of Commemoration Quotes to remember the brave Emirati souls who has given their lives for the sake of our land:
“It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.” ― Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ― Thomas Campbell
“One lives in the hope of becoming a memory.” ― Antonio Porchia
“Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?” ― Terry Pratchett
“It takes a huge effort to free yourself from memory” ― Paulo Coelho
“The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” ― William Shakespeare
“The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.” ― Czesław Miłosz
“You are remembered for the rules you break.” ― Douglas MacArthur
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.” ― Laurence Binyon
“You remember only what you want to remember. You know only what your heart allows you to know.” ― Amy Tan