Manama: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday paid tribute to Bahrain’s loyal people who had sacrificed everything for their country.
His Majesty saluted them as he patronised a ceremony to celebrate National Day.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, were present at the ceremony at Sakhir Palace.
His Majesty said the loyalty of the people has enabled Bahrain to move forward steadily towards reform and modernisation.
“This is an auspicious occasion to recall the positive progress and pioneering achievements of our honourable forefathers,” he said.
“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 achievement.
“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,” the King said.
“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.
“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,” His Majesty said.
“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.”
His Majesty said Bahrain has taken measures against negative effects of the exceptional economic and security situations in many countries.
Earlier, 21 artillery shots were fired to salute His Majesty on his arrival, accompanied by a constellation of cavalry.
The King was welcomed by BDF Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
During the ceremony, 54 national work pioneers were honoured.