President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi attended the celebration marking the 73rd anniversary of the Police Day, observed annually on 25 January, at the Police Academy in New Cairo.
Minister of Interior Mahmoud Tawfik, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy El-Gebaly, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, and Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria have welcomed President El-Sisi at the academy.
Minister of Defence and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant-General Ahmed Khalifa were also present.
Ahead of the ceremony, El-Sisi laid wreaths at the Memorial of Police Martyrs, inspected the Guard of Honor, and presided over a meeting of the Supreme Council of Police.
During the ceremony, the president honored the family members of police martyrs in recognition of their sacrifices and decorated several officers.
This year's celebration comes amid global and regional challenges, El-Sisi said during his speech. However, he affirmed that Egypt remains strong thanks to God almighty and the efforts of its Armed Forces and police.
"Egyptian citizens may feel worried amid recent events and tensions on various fronts, but as a responsible leader, I am confident, thanks to God almighty," he said. "We neither attack nor conspire against anyone," he added, emphasizing the importance of being aware of and understanding the surrounding developments.
Furthermore, he clarified that the increased rumors against Egypt mean the nation is aggressively targeted. He affirmed that honor, respect, pride, and dignity are deeply rooted in Egyptians.
"Despite the challenges, Egypt continues to be a beacon of peace and security, hosting over nine million foreigners and offering them the same services provided to its citizens," he stressed.
"The country is dedicated to the principles of tolerance enshrined in religious teachings and respect to the Egyptian legal system," El-Sisi said.
The president also affirmed that Egypt is progressing despite the challenges by empowering the private sector and improving citizens' living standards.
Moreover, he expressed gratitude for the valuable sacrifices those martyrs and their families made for the country, promising to support those families in every aspect of their lives in recognition of what they gave.
"I want all Egyptians to always remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs, their families, and the wounded," he stressed. "Always remember to protect and cherish your country," the president concluded.
The day commemorates the Egyptian police personnel's resistance to British occupation forces in Ismailia in 1952.
That year, the British occupation, which continued in Egypt from 1882 until 1956, warned the Egyptian forces to evacuate the area so that they could fully control the Suez Canal. However, the police stood their ground.
As a result, 50 police personnel were killed, and over 80 were injured in that battle, which took place on 25 January 1952.
Therefore, Egypt commemorates their heroic sacrifices every year on the same day.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
