Commemoration Day
About Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day is a national holiday celebrated on 30th November of each year in recognition of the sacrifices of the UAE's heroes. The ceremonies are attended by rulers of the emirates, Crown Princes and heroes’ families, and celebrated by UAE citizens and residents alike. H.H. Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared that 30th November would become an annual public holiday to commemorate and honor the heroes who have given their life in humanitarian fields and missions.
In 2015, Commemoration Day was celebrated in the current Wahat Al Karama site in the presence of the rulers of all seven emirates. The Martyr Medal of Honor was awarded to the martyrs’ families in recognition for the heroes' sacrifices.
Commemoration Day Ceremonies
Commemoration Day ceremonies are distinct from other national ceremonies. They start at 8 a.m., with the UAE flag flown at half-mast across the nation.
As ceremonies commence, the rulers of the emirates lay the laurel wreaths, and a 21-gun salute is fired by the artillery. At 11 a.m., all members of society observe a minute's silence and offer a silent prayer to the nation's heroes, in recognition for their immortal sacrifices for the nation. At 11:31 a.m., the flags are raised high, followed by the UAE's national anthem. Families of heroes then receive the Medal of Honor, followed by an official speech. The ceremony is then concluded with the missing man formation.
