The Weight of the Flag: A Tribute to True Heroes

“Not all heroes wear capes” we have heard this phrase a thousand times. True, some wear their country’s flag drenched in blood, flowing with love, compassion and courage for their motherland. Among these brave souls stand First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji and Captain Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi, names now etched in the bedrock of our nation’s pride.

We are often so busy in our mundane lives that we fail to acknowledge how bravely our forces fight for us to be able to lead this life. Away from our eyesight, somewhere between the land and the sky, Ali sent his family a voice message before his last mission, He said “The great reward comes from the Lord of the worlds.

If it is written that we are to be among the martyrs, then we shall be martyred. And if God grants us life, it is enough for us that you are well, sleeping and at peace.” Almost as if he knew, his long lost dream of sacrificing his life for his country was inching closer to him with every heartbeat. 

Not only was he a lieutenant but also a son, a brother, a friend, a mentor and most importantly a protector for each and every one of us. Ali’s father in an interview with Al Etihad at his funeral mentioned, since the first light of dawn, Ali wished to serve in the military and he did so with pure dedication, unwavering courage and diligence. 

“A man and what a man!” He said in an interview with Barq UAE. “He loved his home and his family. He loved his country and his profession. He wished to become a martyr, and he achieved that honour.”

It takes immense strength from a father to stand tall in the moment of grief and say he is proud. While the departure leaves an ache no time can heal, it is eclipsed by the glory of Ali’s service. Ali’s daily refrain was a selfless promise “Rest at home. I will die a martyr in your place.” He said the same words before his last mission. He always looked forward towards the horizon, waiting for the moment he could sacrifice his all for his one and only nation. Perhaps he didn’t just stumble upon his fate. He invited it. His father also proudly mentioned “as much as we are saddened by his departure, we are proud because he fell serving his nation and in martyrdom.” 

As his father beautifully concluded: "God willing, he will be a source of pride for us. We will meet him in the gardens of paradise. May God have mercy on him and forgive him, O Lord."

Officials pay their respects

Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, conveyed his condolences to the families of both Pilot Saeed Rashid Hamad Al Balushi and First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Ismail Al Tunaiji, who died while performing soldiers.

Capt. Al Balushi's family also received a visit from Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed condolences.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes Affairs, visited the family as a mark of respect to the bereaved family of First Lieutenant Ali Saleh Al Tunaiji.

On the day that their funerals were held, the victims’ bodies were honored posthumously with full state honors during a service hosted by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense. Family members and senior military figures attended this funeral ceremony at Abu Dhabi-Zayed Military Hospital.