The reception ceremony started with verses from the Holy Quran. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud delivered the following speech on this occasion: In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Gracious, Praise be to Allah, and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions, Dear brothers of personnel of military sectors, Dear audience, Dear citizens, May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you. I congratulate you and the pilgrims of the Grand Holy Mosque on the blessed Eid Al-Adha, praying to Allah to accept the good deeds and return the Eid to the Islamic nation with goodness and blessings. Your continuous blessed efforts to serve the pilgrims of the Grand Holy Mosque, spend sleepless nights for their rest, facilitate their movement, and maintain their safety, are the source of our pride and an embodiment of what Allah honored our country with the service of pilgrims and visitors of the Grand Holy Mosque. We will continue to provide what pilgrims need of security, tranquility and comfort, and this is the approach of this country from which it will not deviate, praying to Allah Almighty to help us. Dear brothers, The great sacrifices, the honored works and heroism that you carry out to protect the security of our country and defend its sanctities and capabilities reflect your faith, patriotism and nobility. Our country will never hesitate to protect its security, maintain its stability and safeguard its interests. Dear brothers: We recall today our martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for their religion and homeland; their sacrifices will not be absent and heroisms will not be forgotten, praying to Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon their souls and the high status in paradise, and a speedy recovery for the injured. We also pray to Allah Almighty to make his religion victorious, uphold his word, protect our country and Islamic countries from any harm, and perpetuate security and stability for all. I affirm that the title of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is an honor for the leaders of this country since the era of late King Abdulaziz (May Allah bestow mercy upon his soul) until today. May Allah's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you. --More 16:23 LOCAL TIME 13:23 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w479557