King congratulates ex-servicemen on Veterans Day

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday congratulated retired servicemen on the occasion of the Veterans Day. 

"Warmest greetings to all military retirees and comrades in arms on this day; their selfless sacrifices are the source of our pride #ABH," His Majesty tweeted. 

Also marking the occasion, HRH Crown Prince Hussein saluted veterans and army retirees in a post on his official Instagram account.

"With deep appreciation and pride, I salute our army veterans and military retirees for their sacrifices and devotion to the nation #OurJordan," the Crown Prince said.

Deputising for the King, HRH Prince Feisal attended a ceremony in Mafraq marking Veterans Day in honour of ex-servicemen’s sacrifices for the country, according to a Royal Court statement.

February 15 was designated a national day in recognition of the achievements of veteran warriors and ex-servicemen under Royal directives to the government in March 2012.

In celebration of the occasion, Prince Feisal inaugurated a club for retired servicemen in Mafraq, which was established as part of a Royal initiative to found similar clubs in all governorates to improve the quality of services to military retirees and their living conditions.

The prince toured the three-floor venue, whose indoor facilities include halls for social occasions and athletic activities, while the outdoor facilities consist of yards, a playing field and a bicycle track.

The club, whose total building area is 1,800 square metres on a seven-dunum plot of land, was built by the Directorate of Housing and Military Works. It uses solar energy to generate electricity.

At the ceremony, retired Maj. Gen. Ahmad Ajarmeh, director general of the Economic and Social Association of Retired Servicemen and Veterans, said that His Majesty's gesture to designate a day for military personnel is a proof of the King's concern and appreciation for their sacrifices in defending the homeland since the Great Arab Revolt. 

Delivering a speech on behalf of ex-servicemen, retired Maj. Gen. Mohammad Khawaldeh expressed veterans’ appreciation for King Abdullah’s support and assistance to the personnel of the Jordan Armed Forces - Arab Army and security departments, as well as families of fallen soldiers.

Senior military officers and civil officials attended the ceremony.