HM King patronises Commemoration Day

Manama, Dec.17 (BNA): A tribute was paid to the the brave martyrs who fell in the line of duty since the establishment of the state in the era of the first founder until today. “The martyrs sacrificed their lives for the sake of the homeland and fell in the line of duty as they were serving the nation”, said His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. He saluted the national heros who embody the value of courage and sacrifice, becoming a source of pride for Bahrain and role model for the coming generations. HM King Hamad, the Supreme Commander, paid homage to the martyrs of duty as he patronized a ceremony marking the Commemoration Day. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khlifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier attended the commemorave event at the Al-Sakhir Palace. HM the King was received on arrival by BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikk Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, National Guard Commander Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Interior Minister Lt.Gen. Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa. “The 17th of December will always remain an honourable occasion in our national march, symoblising pride in those Bahrainis who fell in the line of duty, at home and abroad, for the sake of right and justice”, he said. He paid homage to the martyrs of duty who sacrificed their lives to defend national security and sovereignty, combat terrorism and extend a helping hand to those in dire need in a dedicated move stemming from the Islamic teachings and authentic Bahraini values, thus following the steps of fathers and forefathers. HM the King paid tribute to the martyrs’ families which are as brave as their beloved who fell in the line of duty, defending their homeland, hailing their courage, resilience and patriotism. He commended loyal citizens who remained cohesive and showed sympathy and solidarty with the martyrs’ of duty in closed-knit and united homeland. He prayed to Allah the Almighty to rest the martyrs’ souls in eternal peace, in vastest paradise, paying tribute to their families and relatives and wishing Bahrain further progress and prosperity. HM the King, accompanied by HRH the Crown Prince, headed to the National Action Charter Monument where he shook hads with senior officers marking the Commemoration Day. The senior officers expressed deepest congratulatios to HM the King, the Supreme Commander, on the occasion of the , on the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's national celebrations on 16 and 17 of December, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 47th Anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member and the 19th Anniversary of HM the King’s Accession to the Throne. HM the King then headed to the main platform and the national anthem – Al-Salam Al-Malaki – was played on the occasion of the Commemoration Day. HM the King earlier water the palm-tree, symbol of eternal life. The artillery also fired one shot and a minute of silence was observed. A second artillery shot was then fired. Verses of the Holy Quran were also recited Court of Cassation Sharia Department chairman and Al-Fateh Mosque Imam Shaikh Adnan bin Abdulla Al-Qattan earlier delivered a speech paying homage to the martyrs of duty. He paying tribute to HM King Hamad for dedicating the 17th of December to be marked every year as the Commemoration Day, in tribute to the martyrs of duty.