HM the King patronises ceremony on National Days

Manama, Dec. 16. (BNA) – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised at Al Sakhir Palace today, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, a ceremony marking the glorious National Day and the Anniversary of HM King Hamad's Accession to the Throne. Upon HM King Hamad's arrival at Al-Sakhir Palace, accompanied by a constellation of cavalry, the artillery fired twenty-one shots to salute him. HM King Hamad was welcomed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. After the National Anthem was played and some Holy Quran verses were recited, HM the King delivered the following address to the nation: "In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate "Praise be to God, and prayers and peace be upon God’s Prophet Mohammed and his family and companions "Your Highnesses and Excellencies, "Honourable guests, "Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you "We are pleased to share with you today the glorious national celebrations on the anniversary of the establishment of the prestigious state of Bahrain as an independent Arab-Islamic entity, during the era of the Founder, Ahmed Al Fateh, about 230 years ago, and the 16th anniversary of our rule of the country. "This is an auspicious occasion to recall the positive progress and pioneering achievements of our honourable forefathers, may God rest their souls in peace. "It is also an occasion to express our appreciation to the national stances of the loyal people of Bahrain throughout the nation’s modern history. Such stances have enabled Bahrain to overcome numerous difficulties, to achieve the status that matches the level of sacrifices and contributions, and keep the comprehensive progress moving forward steadily towards further reforms and modernisation as per our wishes. "We would like to emphasise, as we celebrate our glorious national days, the need for cohesion between all people in order to protect our gains and achievements. And to be proud of the achievements we have accomplished thanks to our efforts that compete in their performance with the world’s finest, especially when we take into account the exceptional economic and security situations in many countries. "Bahrain has taken all necessary precautions and measures to be spared the negative effects of such situations, but without neglecting our policy of sustainable development aimed at promoting social stability and economic growth, and protecting and developing our environment. "We pray Allah the Almighty, on the first occasion of Commemoration Day tomorrow, to bestow His mercy on those who have had the honour to sacrifice their lives for their nation since the first day of the foundation of the country until today. We pray that He grants them Heaven. "We find solace in the high dignity of those who have dedicated themselves, without the slightest hesitation, in response to the call of duty and regardless of the sacrifices. "Brothers and Sisters, "The valuable and successive contributions of Bahrain’s men and women prompt us to proudly celebrate and highlight them in a befitting manner. Such contributions represent an invaluable wealth and a guiding light for future generations that inspires them and encourages them to continue the trail of nation building and dedication. "As we are keen in keeping with our annual traditions, on honouring all those who are dedicated and devoted to serving the nation, it gives us pleasure to pay tribute to them on the "Day of the Nation" and to praise them as we are grateful and proud, and thus present through them a model of Bahraini experience and expertise that has never failed since the establishment of this blessed entity. "We congratulate and thank them for making the progress of Bahrain their destiny. "We reiterate our pride in loyal devotion and outstanding performance that contribute to leading our beloved homeland towards brighter days and a more brilliant future, God willing. "Many happy returns of our national days "Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you." Then, HM King Hamad greeted the audience and left the ceremony. After that, a special ceremony was held, in the presence of HM the King's Personal Representative HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa and guests. During the ceremony, national work pioneers were honoured. The honouree list included: 1. Nabeel bin Yaqoob Al-Hamar 2. Zayed bin Rashed Al-Zayani 3. Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi 4. Hamad bin Ali Al-Ka'abi 5. Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim bin Hamad Al Khalifa 6. Abdulla Hassan Al-Buainain 7. Ibrahim bin Musallam 8. Tariq bin Khalifa Al-Mehza 9. Salah bin Abdulrahman Al-Mahmood 10. Jehad Daij Al-Ruwaie 11. Nader Khalil Al-Moayyad 12. Dr. Bahiya Jawad Al-Jishi 13. Major-General Naji Fahd Al-Hashel 14. Major-General Mohammed Rashid Bu Hamood 15. Brigadier Abdulla Rashid Mandi Al-Tamimi 16. Colonel Isa Fares Al-Qatami 17. Lieutenant-Colonel Isa Eid Al-Kubaisi 18. Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa 19. Chancellor Abdulaziz Al-Rashid Al-Binali 20. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Sherooqi 21. Dr. Ahmed Ali Al-Sharyan 22. Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Hussain Jaweheri 23. Jassim Ahmed Al-Jowdar 24. Mahmoud Ahmed Abdulrahman Mohammed 25. Sabah Khalil Al-Moayyad 26. Dr. Faisal Ibrahim Al-Zayani 27. Dr. Dhafer Ahmed Al-Omran 28. Ali Youssef Fardan 29. Rana Ibrahim Fakihi 30. Ali Nematallah Ali Abdulrahim Al-Neama 31. Dr. Khalid Ismail Al-Alawi 32. Latifa Isa Al-Bunudha 33. Chancellor Abdulla Majed Habeeb Al-Sheikh 34. Huda Abdulla Fakhro 35. Muna Jassim Al-Mutawa 36. Abul-Nabi Abdulla Al-Sabah 37. Sami Abdulla Bu-Hazza 38. Maryam Ahmed Jama'an 39. Fawziya Saleh Shehab 40. Rashid Mohammed Noor Al-Madani 41. Mohammed Abulrahim Abdulla 42. Dr. Ali Ahmed Al-Baqara 43. Nabil Taha Hussain Al Shihab 44. Wafa Ibrahim Al-Emadi 45. Fajr Talal 46. Bassam Mohammed Al-Thawadi 47. Jockey Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa 48. Jockey Fahad Al Khatri 49. Jockey Salim Mubarak Sabt 50. Jockey Dana Ali Binghadeer 51. Jockey Mohammed Hilal Al Khatri 52. Isa Ibrahim Hamada 53. Waleed Mohammed Abdulla 54. Hussain Ali Jabr Al-Dossari