It has been rightly said that nations that forget their heroes have a bleak future. It is precisely to honour our heroes, who have sacrificed their lives for the motherland since 1947, that Pakistan observes April 30 as Yaum-e-Shuhada (The Martyrs Day). COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayanis words, spoken at a function held on this occasion at the General Headquarters on Saturday and expressing the resolve not to compromise the nations honour and integrity under any circumstances, underline the qualities that are the stuff heroes are made of. Paying tribute to them in the words, The services of our heroes are a great asset for us, he maintained, We believe in one army, one family and one nation and we will have to rise above personal interests and think for a strong Pakistan. Aptly describing the present moment in Pakistans history as the most tumultuous times, he saw no justification for giving way to pessimism. A vast majority of the audience of nearly 5,000 consisted of the families parents, siblings and children of the military personnel who have laid down their lives, particularly in the war against extremist forces. Accommodated in the halls and auditoriums of the GHQ they were attended to by senior officers and jawans and served refreshments, signifying that those who have the strength of courage to fight for a cause, irrespective of the consequences to them, deserve all the respect in the world. The presence at the function of the Senate Chairman, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Interior Minister, militarys top brass, high civilian officers and diplomats reflected the importance that the authorities attached to the memory of these martyrs. Garrison and corps headquarters in other parts of the country organised similar functions, which were attended by the families of martyrs belonging to those areas and local notables. Perhaps, in an oblique reference to the pressure being exercised by the Americans on Pakistan to venture into North Waziristan to check with force the tribesmen who, they accuse, are infiltrating into Afghanistan and killing US and NATO soldiers, the General said that only Pakistanis have the right to decide what was in the national interest. And it is unquestionably logical to argue that taking up arms against our own citizens is the negation of the very spirit underlying Yaum-e-Shuhada and is certainly not in the national interest. Hopefully, our neighbouring countries and beyond, would take note of General Kayanis remarks that while peace-loving Pakistan wants friendly relations with other countries and wants its people to prosper, it would not compromise on its dignity and honour. It is by showing due respect to other nations and settling points of contention through peaceful means that the world can rid itself of the evils that at present accost it every corner.