HUNDREDS of Egyptians gathered in Nasr City at the Unknown Soldier Memorial to express their gratitude for the Armed Forces for their support of the 25 January Revolution. Prime Minister Essam Sharaf joined the gathering on 22 April which assembled after Friday prayers. Crowds chanted "The people and the army are one hand", and "The people want to thank the army". On what was dubbed 'Friday of Gratitude' Sharaf stated the army had played a significant role during the revolution. "We all must support the army and help the Armed Forces in fulfilling their sacred role in protecting the country and people," he said. Among the participants was counsellor Zakaria Abdel-Aziz who called on the public to support the army and "not to believe rumours" which he said were aimed at severing the trust between the army and the people. In return, the Armed Forces distributed presents to members of the public in Tahrir Square on Monday. Early morning, the army held a parade while a military band played patriotic songs. After the show, the public thanked the military for its support during the revolution and for the goodwill gesture. The military is effectively ruling the country during a transitional stage following the stepping down of Hosni Mubarak as president on 11 February.
