King patronizes National Guard's establishment anniversary celebration

Manama, Jan. 29 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, today patronized the National Guard's 20th establishment anniversary celebration, in the presence of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. HM the King was received upon arrival by National Guard Commander Lt-Gen Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, National Guard Director of staff and senior officers. After the Royal anthem was played, the flag handover ceremony was held, HM the King handed over the flags to the new units signaling their joining the National Guard. Following reciting few verses of the Holy Quran, Commander of the National Guard Special Operations Unit, Major Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al-Khalifa, in his speech, took pride in HM the King's patronage of the event. He congratulated HM the King on the 20th establishment anniversary of the National Guard, stressing readiness to defend the homeland under the leadership of the National Guard Commander in conformity with the royal directives. HM the King presented a number of officers and non-commissioned officers with medals of appreciation in recognition of their hard effort. HM the King toured the Weapon Museum and was briefed on the weapons exhibited and the history of the museum. HM the King praised the effort exerted in organizing the museum which reflects the development witnessed by National Guard since its inception. HM the King, on the occasion wrote keynote words in the guestbook, expressed pride in visiting the National Guard, lauded the commitment of its force to defending the homeland, citizens and national gains, and highlighted the brave sacrifices made by the National Guard force. He urged them to continue the march of giving and goodness and wished them further advancement and prosperity. HM the King praised the National Guard Commander's effort and expressed appreciation of the National Guard force's commitment to carry out their national duties in a professional manner shoulder to shoulder with their brethren in arms of the Interior Ministry. HM the King affirmed Bahrain will remain safe and united, wishing the valiant National Guard's force more successes come. On the sidelines of the celebration, the National Guard Commander extended utmost gratitude to HM the King for patronizing the event and pointed out the high-level of preparation and readiness achieved thanks to the royal support and directives. He, on behalf of the National Guard forces, vowed to continue defending the homeland, national gains and development march alongside the Interior force. He stressed to continue working by the royal directives to bring more development to the National Guard units, wishing HM the King abundant good health and happiness to carry on leading the blessed march witnessed by Bahrain. He congratulated the National Guard force and hailed their roles in maintaining the homeland's security and stability, wishing them more successes to attain and the Kingdom of Bahrain, leadership and people further progress and prosperity.