CAIRO: Field Marshal Hussein Tantawni, head of Egypt's ruling military council, congratulated the Egyptian people, leaders, officers and armed forces soldiers for the anniversary of Egypt's October 6 victory. “I congratulate you all about 38th anniversary of the glorious October victory which restored the holy land of Sinai [to Egypt],” Tantawi said. “This splendid victory will remain in our national history as source of pride and honor. It is also evidence of the loyal armed forces whose courage, braveness, heroism and sacrifice restored Egypt's dignity. They will be remembered forever as a symbol of the prestigious Egyptian military. “I take this great occasion to express my appreciation for the Egyptian people's loyalty in order to reserve October's soul, which represents the greatest Egyptian loyalty and victory. God bless you and happy anniversary,” Tantawi's statement ended. In related news, Egyptian Army Chief of Staff Sami Anan sent a similar congratulatory telegram to commanders, officers and soldiers of the armed forces. The moral affairs department of the armed forces, in cooperation with Egypt's Ministries of Information and Culture, is organizing a celebration in Al-Nahr Al-Khaled Marine in Cairo's Maadi neighborhood tomorrow at 4 pm. The celebration includes the air force, Commandos umbrellas and musical military performances. It will end with a technical performance by famous media members. At the end of the celebration souvenirs will be distributed to the audience. On October 6, 1976 the Egyptian army reclaimed the Sinai Peninsula from Israel, which had occupied the territory since the 1967 War. The occasion is remembered as a great victory in Egypt's collective consciousness, and contributed to Egyptians' deep respect and admiration for the armed forces.
