Martyrs’ Day falls on March 9 and celebrates the sacrifices by the Egyptian armed forces and police in the service of the nation. Their memories will live on until Judgment Day.
On this day we renew our pledge of loyalty and respect for the courageous police officers who gave their lives to achieve and maintain the safety and security of this great country. It is a day of dignity and honour on which we cherish the heroic tales of our brave troops who lost their lives to liberate the country’s occupied land and transforming the 1967 Defeat into the 1973 Victory.
March 9 was chosen to mark the martyrdom of chief of staff Abdel Moneim Riad in 1969. Riad was killed with his aides in an Israeli mortar attack during the War of Attrition. He had fought in the 1948 Palestine War and the Tripartite Aggression against Egypt in 1956.
Egyptian soldiers and policemen are still making historic narratives that go deep in the public consciousness. They are still sacrificing their souls in the fight against terrorism and the forces of evil that waste development efforts.
Martyr Day is the least reward we can offer to those who gave so much for us. It is they who knew the true meaning of giving and sacrificing themselves for the defence of our homeland. Such is the treasure trove of loyalty and humanity.
The Egyptian armed forces revive the memories of martyrs, who left leaving behind grieving widows, parents, siblings and offspring, yet they actions inspire their comrades-in-arms with greater will and determination to fulfil their mission.
We offer our salute to Egyptian martyrs and the armed forces who bear the responsibly of protecting this nation, even at the cost of their lives. The sting of death is fleeting, but the sweet victory is eternal.
Mohamed Fahmy is theeditor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
