As I write this, it’s National Day in the United Arab Emirates. Most countries have a similar annual event, and the festivities are usually alike — there are parades and fireworks and music and speeches.
What makes things different in the UAE this year is that it comes just days after the first Commemoration Day, which honours those who have died in the service of this young — just 44 years old — nation.
The minute’s silence, and lowering of the flag on Monday, was a poignant occasion that reminded me of Anzac Day in Australia, and Remembrance Day, which is marked on November 11 around much of the western world (albeit under different names in some countries).
Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice is important for any nation; but so, too, is celebrating the way of life those sacrifices were made to protect.
In different countries, there are different priorities, but the common theme is pride in what has been created by human effort and maintained by the will of the people.
Wherever you are in the world right now, and wherever you come from, if you are free to live your life much as you please, and you live in peace, you should be thankful and celebrate in your own way. Too many people don’t have that luxury.
