His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi,Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, saidon the occasion of launching Zayed National Museumthat :''The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is one of those figures that truly deserve to be remembered over the years and honored by generations for their role as inspiring leaders who have managed to overcome lifes challenges and lay the foundations for a bright and prosperous future.

''Under his care, and guided by his wisdom and sheer patriotism, the seven Emirates realised their unification and became the United Arab Emirates; a milestone that wouldnt have been possible without the faithful direction of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that his country and people are above all interests, and that the best investment is that which helps raise a sophisticated generation of educated people who are able to thrive with the brightness of their minds.

''We hope that the "Zayed National Museum" will be a fitting memorial to Sheikh Zayed and an everlasting reflection of his outstanding national achievements and the rich history of the UAE,'' Sheikh Sultan added..

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said :''Tradition, originality, history and achievements are the results of astute thinking, tireless effort, and constant work of statesmen who have devoted their energies, contributions and time to make a statement to history: that on this day, a glorious monument was born that will endure for years to come as part of a heritage that future generations will take pride in. It is a heritage that we have built with our words, our deeds and our determination so that our lineage may witness it and follow its lead.

Because we are the sons and daughters of this glorious history and sons of the emirates, we find joy and pride in the heritage we have come into from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on his soul, founder of the United Arab Emirates and the man behind the great legend of Emirati glory.

''Given the importance of Zayeds heritage and its benefit for future generations, it is only fitting to recognize and praise the initiative to preserve this valuable treasure through the establishment of the Zayed National Museum. It is through such an endeavour that his annals may remain as an example and a guiding beacon from which valuable lessons and morals may be drawn.

''Today, we translate the idea into a reality, so that the world may record in its memory that our heritage is alive and present, and that it will be perpetuated for all to enjoy its beautiful aroma, with Zayeds glory standing the test of time, generation after generation.

The initiative to develop the Zayed National Museum, Sheikh Saud saidis a unique and unprecedented step that aims to illuminate the various aspects of the life, thought and works of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, and to elucidate the meanings and values underlying them.

''It is our duty, in turn, to retain these in the history of the people of the United Arab Emirates, so that we may celebrate the march of our first leader, Sheikh Zayed, the towering symbol whose procession was marked by numerous accomplishments and events which helped build and elevate the UAE on its path of glorious ascension.

''Furthermore, the presence of such a museum contributes to evoking the personage of Sheikh Zayed in the memories of the nations sons and daughters, retaining pride in his achievements, emulating his approach, and implanting the spirit of belonging and loyalty in the lives of generations to come,'' he concluded.

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Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.