Speech by President El-Sisi at the 35th Armed Forces Cultural Symposium on Martyr's Day

Today, we celebrate a memory treasured in our souls; we evoke the heroism of men who honored the oath, men who sacrificed all that is inestimable and precious in order for this country to prevail, dignified, head held high. We celebrate men who refused to surrender and favored resistance with valor and virtue, setting examples for generations to come, and emphasizing that a free and dignified Egypt is deserving of fealty and virtuous self-sacrifice.

The celebration of Martyr’s Day every year represents a recurring occasion to honor the loyal sons of Egypt who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of this immortal homeland to remain vigorous, resonant, and abundant with peace and development. Let us remember, together, the enormity of these sacrifices whose magnitude may not be felt except by those who endowed Egypt with a martyr or a soldier whose wounds watered Egypt’s soil with his blood. 

This memorable day is a day in which we honor, not only the martyred souls of our righteous heroes, but the brave men of the Armed Forces and the police force or any citizen who performs their role with dedication and integrity across the country. We also honor the dedication of the steadfast people who bear the responsibility of this country, and who pray night and day, so that the great people of Egypt may live in peace, security and stability.

Egypt reiterates the abundance of its loyal sons; generation after generation handing over the flag of the nation which is fluttering high with victory, pride, and dignity.

This flag will never regress, by Allah’s will and the determination, integrity, and sacrifices of this people.

The great people of Egypt,

In this occasion as usual, I cannot fail to take a comprehensive look at our path which we started together, based on our consistent policy, by presenting the facts to you. This is to face challenges together, from a realistic, real, and direct perspective in pursuit of a true comprehensive renaissance that we all aspire to achieve for ourselves and generations to come; a renaissance that befits the greatness and history of our country.

 As you are aware, dear brothers, Egypt has faced, during the past years, many unprecedented challenges at all levels. At the global level, the coronavirus pandemic emerged and some conflicts and disputes erupted which radically affected the structure of the international economy and global supply chains and resulted in the rise of inflation and prices. 

Before the pandemic and these conflicts, waves of chaos, political and security instability, the collapse of some countries and disintegration of their societies ravaged the region. This is in addition to the spread of the menace of terrorism, which would have affected our dear homeland, if it were not for Allah’s care and kindness.

On the domestic level, Egypt has faced huge pressures on its national economy, which we have countered by adopting comprehensive reform and structural measures. Those started to bear fruit with the increase of growth rates achieved by the Egyptian economy, in tandem with efforts by the Armed Forces and the police to contain and defeat terrorism.

The entire world stands witness to the achievements we have realized in the face of these challenges, as Egypt moves forward on the path of implementing its comprehensive strategy to build a strong homeland advanced in all fields. I am telling you honestly:

“It is this people’s awareness; their civilizational heritage, dating back thousands of years; and the accurate understanding of Egypt’s conditions that made me fully confident in our ability to create miracles and change the reality of life in this homeland to what we seek and pride ourselves on, and to make for every citizen in his country a decent place for himself and his sons.

The great people of Egypt,

As I conclude my speech on the occasion of celebrating Martyrs Day, I am aware that the hardest time for a soul is the moment of farewell. I understand what it means when hearts stricken with anguish yearn to see a loved one. However, I believe that a heart once filled with pain and sorrow evolves into one that overflows with pride of all the sacrifices made by our glorious martyrs for Egypt.

On this occasion, I would also like to convey the appreciation of the Egyptian people and mine to the families of our glorious martyrs for their patience and endurance, submitting to Allah’s will and seeking his reward.    

I pray to Allah Almighty to protect Egypt and its people from all harm and evil and keep this nation a blessing for security and safety always and forever.

Long Live Egypt. Long Live Egypt. Long Live Egypt.

Peace be upon you.