Egyptians today are celebrating the 48th anniversary of 6 October War victory that was possible thanks to the leadership of President Anwar el-Sadat.
The day is one of Egypt’s most significant annual events as the country celebrates its victory over Israel and the crossing of the Suez Canal. The date was declared a national holiday to commemorate the victory and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki and Chief of Staff Lt General Mohamed Farid and senior state officials sent cables of greetings to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on this occasion.
The el-Alamein Museum, the Port Said Museum, the outdoor display of 6 October Panorama and National Military Museum are open today free of charge as part of celebrations, according to a military statement on Tuesday.
The Armed Forces are keen to spread military awareness and patriotism among young people and to acquaint them with the glories and sacrifices of the war.
At 14:00 hours (Cairo local time) on 6 October 1973, the Egyptian Armed Forces launched an offensive against Israeli troops, bringing down a series of fortifications known as the Bar Lev Line.
Israeli troops retreated 15 kilometres east of the Suez Canal while Syrian forces attacked Israeli troops near the Golan Heights.
The war, which lasted for almost two weeks, paved the way for negotiations that concluded with the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979, and the liberation of the entire Sinai Peninsula (except Taba, which was restored to Egypt through international arbitration in 1989).
Chairman of the National Council for Women (NCW) Maya Morsi highlighted the role of women in the 6 October War as they hid and transported weapons for the Egyptian forces, volunteered as nurses, and donated their jewellery to the nation for arms purchases.
The Egyptian Armed Forces have become a model to be followed by in the art of war. The brave Egyptian soldiers sacrificed their lives for the sake of the homeland to regain their land, rights and dignity
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The 6 October War, which has become a lesson to be taught in all military institutions, brought about several positive changes in the Arab world and Middle East region and brought change in military strategies worldwide.
Egyptian and Arab fighters regained their confidence in themselves and their leaders.
The October War was a main factor in restoring co-operation between all Arab countries and made the Arab world an international power.
