Manama, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, today deputised Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), to visit the Royal Artillery, marking the 47th anniversary of its establishment.
Upon arrival, the BDF chief was welcomed by Lieutenant-General Abdulla bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, BDF Chief of Staff , Major-General Shaikh Khalifa bin Hassan Al Khalifa, Royal Artillery Commander, and senior officers.
The National Anthem was played, and then the Commander-in-Chief inspected the Guard of Honour, whose members lined up to salute him.
Some holy Quran verses were recited, and then everyone recited the Surah Al-Fatihah for the souls of the nation's fallen servicemen.
After a welcoming speech by the Royal Artillery Commander, Major-General Jassim Zayed Al Kubaisi delivered a statement on behalf of the late servicemen's families.
Then, on behalf of HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the BDF chief presented the fallen servicemen's families and the wounded with medals bestowed upon them by HM the King. He also presented them with commemorative gifts.
The servicemen who were injured during the aggression that had targeted them at a time of truce greeted the Commander-in-Chief, who conferred on them the Wound Badge, in appreciation of the courage and valour they had shown while performing their national duty.
A commemorative gift was also presented to HM the King, the Supreme Commander, by the Royal Artillery Commander.
The BDF chief conveyed the greetings and appreciation of HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to all the affiliates of the Royal Artillery on the latter's establishment anniversary, praising their honourable work and the great sacrifices they are making, along with their BDF brethren, to safeguard the kingdom's comprehensive development process, and consolidate its multi-lateral partnerships.
He affirmed HM the King's pride in the efforts exerted by the kingdom to undertake its historical defence role, hailing its high commitment and vigilant readiness in the face of risks and challenges, as reflected in its renewed defence vision based on developing manpower and weapons, to ensure that the armed forces are provided with the latest expertise, sciences and skills so as to always remain capable of carrying out their duties with competence and professionalism.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed also affirmed HM King Hamad's praise of and pride in the BDF's achievements, marking the anniversary of the Royal Artillery, conveying HM the King's thanks and appreciation to BDF command, officers and personnel for their dedicated efforts to defending the nation and protecting its authentic values and fundamentals.
He added that HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had called for more constructive work to maintain the national achievements, reiterating HM the King's assertion that the BDF is the value of the kingdom's security, stability and progress and that its ability to undertake its national duties under various circumstances is a source of pride for everyone.
The BDF chief also said that HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, had prayed to Allah the Almighty to rest the souls of the fallen servicemen in eternal peace and to bless those wounded with a speedy recovery.
He also highlighted HM the King's assertion that the sacrifices made by those who fell in the line of duty will always remain engraved in the national memory.
The BDF Commander-in-Chief also highlighted the constant royal interest in the kingdom's late soldiers, citing HM the King's affirmation that caring for the fallen servicemen's families and their affairs will always top his priorities, reflecting HM's recognition of the status of the late servicemen who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of the homeland.
Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed paid tribute to the late servicemen's families for their patience and fortitude, commending the courage showcased by the wounded while carrying out their sacred patriotic duties. He wished them a speedy recovery.
He affirmed that thanks to the sound directives of HM the King, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the close follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, the Bahrain Defence Force will continue playing its role in defending the homeland to the fullest, thanks to the patriotism and courage of its affiliates.
Source: Bahrain News Agency