His Majesty King Hamad has paid tribute to brave and loyal soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
He recalled the contributions of martyrs of duty, noting that they embodied the best values of bravery and redemption, and set themselves as role models for patriotism for the next generations.
His Majesty, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, made the statement as he patronised a ceremony marking Commemoration Day at Sakhir Palace yesterday, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister.
The King pointed out that December 17 is a day to remember the sacrifices of brave Bahraini servicemen who have lost their lives in Bahrain or abroad while defending the values of right and justice, safeguarding the national security and sovereignty and fighting terrorism, as well as extending humanitarian relief to the afflicted, in line with the Islamic precepts and deep-rooted national values.
He saluted the members of the armed forces and security authorities for their unwavering keenness to undertake national duties in defending the homeland and its people with courage and valour.
“Every fallen serviceman is a national hero, who is a source of pride for their brethren. Their heroic actions will always remain engraved in the national memory,” the King said.
“The families of martyrs are as brave as the fallen servicemen,” he said, citing their patriotism and keenness to instil the love of the nation in the minds and hearts of their sons.
The King paid tribute to the citizens for their noble stances, cohesion and keenness to support the families of the martyrs, proving that every martyr is the son of every Bahraini in the one-family Bahraini society.
The ceremony began with a solemn observance of silence following the royal anthem and a symbolic artillery salute.
A squadron of fighter jets from the Royal Bahraini Air Force performed a spectacular flypast in tribute to the fallen servicemen before the King inspected a guard of honour.
His Majesty and HRH Prince Salman marked the occasion by watering a palm tree, a gesture symbolising life, resilience and continuity.
Court of Cassation Sharia department head and Al Fateh Islamic Mosque preacher Shaikh Adnan Al Qattan delivered a sermon and a prayer for the martyrs.
Earlier, the King was welcomed upon arrival by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
Senior state officials, officers and families of fallen servicemen also attended the ceremony.
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