Cairo: Egypt celebrates Martyr’s Day on March 9 every year in recognition of the nation’s righteous martyrs.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the day is originally held in memory of Abdel Moneim Riad’s martyrdom in 1969. Riad, who was the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces at the time, went to the front lines on the second day of the War of Attrition to personally assess the results of the previous day’s battle. He joined his colleagues in the armed forces in the ongoing and intense combat aimed at exhausting the enemy.

While inspecting the front lines north of Ismailia, Riad was fatally wounded by enemy artillery fire during a clash. He succumbed to his injuries during his transfer to Ismailia Hospital. The people of all denominations came out during his funeral to bid him farewell, showing reverence, respect, and deep sadness.

Egypt and the Armed Forces mark the celebrations of Martyr’s Day, coinciding with the anniversary of Abdel Moneim Riad’s martyrdom on March 9, 1969.