UAE's gallant soldiers: A joyous return paper

ABU DHABI 8th November 2015 (WAM) -- A UAE paper has said that the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne once said "Valour is stability not of legs and arms but of courage and the soul." That's what makes up soldiers. They have that rare trait that makes them unique: the unflinching quality of sacrifice.

"Not many would dare venture out of the comfort of home and hearth to rough it out in the field of combat. By joining ranks with the Saudi-led Arab Coalition forces fighting for legitimacy in Yemen our Emirati bravehearts have shown that they possess grit and gallantry in no small measure" said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Sunday.

There is always a price to pay and there is no price higher than the sacrifice of life. The stouthearted martyrs jumped into the battlefield with nary a thought for their wellbeing knowing full well that the leadership would take care of their loved ones' welfare. The martyrs died in the line of duty and by extending their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those whose lives were snuffed out in the line of duty the leaders acknowledge the intrepidity and the exemplary act of our troops.

The paper quoted His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai as saying "The martyrdom of those sons and brothers is a true embodiment of the concept of military service and its noble meanings of honour sacrifice and devotion in defence of the right.

"They are a source of pride and glory for our leadership and people and for their families who sacrificed their loved ones to keep the nation's flag high and to maintain stability and peace in Arab countries and the security of its peoples."

"We must not forget their deeds even as we celebrate the return of the first batch of the UAE's soldiers from Yemen.

"The country's leaders have been ecstatic on the homecoming of the valiant sons of the soil who staked their all for the service of the nation. However none would be more pleased than the families of the returning troops: the tears of joy and relief on the faces of the mothers the sisters and wives of the soldiers are indescribable and know no bounds.

"The first batch was accorded a hero's welcome by the citizens and residents alike. Pictures of the triumphant return showed beaming children and adults alike waving the national standard while soldiers erupted with joy atop their armoured trucks.

"The first group handed over responsibilities over to the second batch who are already stationed in Yemen as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition forces participating in Operation Restoring Hope" concluded the Sharjah-based daily.

"One of the first batch's most remarkable and commendable roles was the liberation of Mareb from the hands of Houthi militias and their allies. These are forces loyal to deposed president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"Mareb is a key Yemeni province and has special import for Emiratis because it is home to the ancient landmark the Mareb Dam which was rebuilt by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan founder of the UAE.

"Even as the triumphant return is being rejoiced let us make a silent prayer for the second batch of Emirati soldiers who have forayed into the wara prayer for their lives for their shining boldness for their selflessness.