March 9: Egypt commemorates the “Golden General” and celebrates Martyr's Day

CAIRO – 9 March 2026: Every year on March 9, Egypt observes Martyr's Day, a solemn occasion that coincides with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Abdel Moneim Riad, the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, who fell on the front lines in 1969.

The choice of this date honors the legacy of Lieutenant General Riad, who was martyred on the Ismailia battlefront during the "War of Attrition." He had traveled to the front on the second day of the conflict to personally assess the results of previous engagements and to stand among his troops during a phase of intense combat aimed at exhausting the enemy's capabilities.

While inspecting the front lines north of Ismailia, Lieutenant General Riad was fatally wounded by enemy artillery fire. He passed away while being transported to Ismailia Hospital. The entire nation mourned his loss; President Gamal Abdel Nasser posthumously awarded him the rank of Lieutenant General and the Military Star of Honor—Egypt’s highest military decoration.

The Life of the “Golden General”

Born in 1919 in the Gharbia Governorate, Abdel Moneim Riad joined the Artillery Corps in 1941 and served during World War II. His career was marked by a rapid professional ascent and consistent academic excellence. In 1951, he assumed command of the Artillery School, and by 1953, he was appointed commander of the 1st Anti-Aircraft Brigade in Alexandria.

 

In 1958, Riad traveled to the Soviet Union for advanced military training, completing his studies in 1959 with such distinction that he earned the title "The Golden General." Following his return, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Artillery Corps in 1960 and was later appointed Chief of Staff of the Unified Arab Command in 1964. Throughout his storied career, he participated in World War II, the 1948 Palestine War, the 1956 Tripartite Aggression, and the War of Attrition, ultimately sacrificing his life in service to his country on March 9, 1969.

Symbols of Sacrifice

To honor those who have given their lives for the homeland, Egypt has established significant landmarks that serve as eternal tributes to its martyrs.

Designed by artist Sami Rafeh, the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Nasr City is a hollow concrete pyramid standing 32 meters tall and covering 10,000 square meters. The structure features four sides with raised inscriptions bearing the symbolic names of Egypt's fallen heroes. At its heart lies the tomb of an unknown martyr, representing all those whose names are known only to God. This site serves as the starting point for national celebrations and a primary stop for visiting international delegations.

A more recent tribute, is the memorial at People's Square in New Capital. This memorial is the largest of its kind in Egypt. Its unique architectural design draws inspiration from ancient Pharaonic columns and the classic Arch of Triumph. The monument is inscribed with the 99 Names of God alongside the names of the nation's martyrs, bridging Egypt's ancient heritage with its modern commitment to honoring its defenders.