The exemplary heroism and sacrifice of martyrs who died while defending the country mirrors the people’s love for their nation, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In commemoration of Victory Day celebrated on November 3, the president conferred a message to the people via the 28th edition of ‘Addana’, an annual magazine publicized by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) on the day.

As such, the president noted that Victory Day reminds the citizens of the importance of loving their country and added that the “heroic actions” of the martyrs defending our country and religion “symbolize” their “patriotism”.

Applauding the armed forces of the island nation for continuing to display the same bravery and love towards their country, Solih noted that the people of Maldives will “always remain grateful” for the selflessness and bravery they showed on this day, 1988.

Acknowledging the heroism and valor of the fallen, the president stated that the country must learn from the past and garner inspiration as we celebrate Victory Day, adding that compassion and unity demonstrated by the people of Maldives that day, “remains intact even today”.

Further, he went on to acknowledge the determination and resolution of the people of Maldives and expressed gratitude to all involved in foiling the attack on Maldives on this day in 1988.

Solih also expressed appreciation to neighboring India for their swift intervention following a request from the Maldivian government.

The lives of 19 Maldivians were taken during the attempted coup d’état in the Maldives capital on November 3, 1988 by a Sri Lankan militant group, with the involvement of a few locals. The day was described as one of the most brutal and deadly assaults on the country’s independence, by the president.