Published — Friday 5 February 2016
Words of praise are no longer sufficient to express our love and appreciation to those heroes who work around the clock to preserve our national security. They offer their souls and blood for the sake of our nation and adore it with every breath they take.
It is long past time to honor these heroes. I propose an initiative that is simple in detail but grand in meaning: an annual national holiday designated as “The Saudi Soldier Day” to celebrate our heroes. Let us dedicate 24 hours out of the 8,760 hours in an entire year to celebrate those brave men of the Ministry of Defense and The National Guard who are stationed along the borders and are the nation's strong eyes and arms, or the men of the Ministry of Interior who relentlessly protect our safety, or the various military institutions that offer innumerable sacrifices and acts of bravery to keep our great nation safe and strong.
The Saudi soldier has demonstrated loyalty, fidelity, and love to the Kingdom. He is only satisfied when he is in danger showing a brave heart and an adventurous body. He has said goodbye to all that is dearest to him and has achieved one of two glories: martyrdom or victory. His heroic actions are far too many to be recounted in books or works of art. He has consistently raised high the banner of unification and glory while defeating dark terrorism and forcing out those who tamper with our country's goals, both internally and abroad.
There is no question that these heroes have unlimited support from our leaders, headed by The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, His Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Naif, and His Highness Deputy Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman. Our soldiers are well taken care of and receive recognition, yet having a day celebrating them will demonstrate Saudis’ support of all they do. It will show a simple message of true faithfulness and immense gratitude.
Certainly, our leaders give great support to all of our military personnel. As citizens, we too are incredibly proud of our soldiers who possess the expertise and psychological readiness to defend us. It is now time that we set aside one day each year to show our steadfast support and gratitude for them. It also will send a clear message to our young people that a soldier’s service to the Kingdom is valued.
The celebration honoring our soldiers and security men on all fronts will be no ordinary day, and the hours and minutes will not pass by as they do on any usual day. All of its moments will communicate a message of love from faithful citizens who have been blessed with safety and security thanks to God and their bravery and dedication. This day will be devoted to teaching about the heroism of the martyrs and identifying the risks that the nation faces. It will encourage our youth to be courageous and fearless and to make these heroes their idols. The day will include mass celebrations in one of the major sports fields with a national operetta that will recount tales of glory and bravery.
However, this idea will remain incomplete unless we establish a fund called "The Nation Protectors' Fidelity Fund" that will provide sufficient funding to the families of martyrs, the sick and their families, the disabled, and those who are in difficult circumstances.
Some may object to the idea of the Fund and say that our country is capable of supporting our soldiers and that this Fund may send a contradictory or duplicative message.
To those I say: Our country supports our sons abundantly, but through this Fund, we will be playing a complementary role that reflects national unity and the pride that the civil society has in its heroes.
It is important that this Fund be adopted by a major civil and economic entity represented, for example, in the Council of Saudi Chambers in the form of an endowment until it takes on a sustainable form. It should have a bank account in all Saudi banks so citizens can contribute to it. A Board of Trustees should be formed including representatives from the Ministries of Defense, Interior and Social Affairs, other military institutions, religious scholars, academics, and renowned businessmen who are experienced in the field of charity. I also suggest that a workshop be organized to promote and implement “Saudi Soldier Day”.
The soldier, with his sacrifice and vigilance, has become a beacon of the country's stability and the safety of its people. He has captured a piece of our souls and therefore we extend to each of our heroes our immense gratitude and prayers.
Source: Arab News
