The Egyptian Russian University organized a huge celebration under the slogan “My Nation, Land of Dignity and Honor,” commemorating the 51st anniversary of the glorious October 6 victories. The event was attended by several war leaders and heroes, numerous executive and popular leaders, prominent figures in higher education, and faculty members of the university. The ceremony took place in the hall of the late Dr. Sherif Helmy, with support from Dr. Mohamed Kamal Mustafa, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and under the auspices of Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdel Nabi, President of the University. The celebration was honored by the presence of two distinguished heroes of October War: Marshal Ahmed Al-Mansouri, famed for his daring aerial maneuvers, earning him the nickname “the mad pilot,” and Captain Wissam Abbas Hafiz, a participant in the War of Attrition and the October War, a hero of the Egyptian Navy, and a member of the “39 Combat Group,” known for their significant sacrifices and heroism in the 1973 October War.

At the beginning of the celebration, Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdel Nabi, President of the Egyptian Russian University, welcomed the university’s guests and thanked them for participating in this event, which the university annually organizes to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Egypt’s soldiers, shed light on the saga of the great October Victory, and share timeless stories of heroism, glory, and success that will continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for generations. He emphasized that the university administration is committed to organizing numerous cultural seminars and hosting influential figures across various fields to foster national awareness among students and instill values of loyalty and patriotism.

The President of the Egyptian Russian University pointed out that October Victory remains a historic event, celebrated by Egyptians for the past 51 years, to draw inspiration from the triumphs of October 6: faith in our nation’s ability to overcome obstacles, perseverance, disciplined organization, and self-sacrifice—cornerstones of achieving goals. He noted that the purpose of this celebration is to honor the accomplishments of the nation’s sons and to convey to students that it was the youth of Egypt who crossed the canal, liberated the land, and restored the nation’s dignity. Today’s youth bear the same responsibility to rally behind their leadership, protect their country, and elevate its status.

In his speech,  Marshal Ahmed Al-Mansouri expressed his happiness to be at the Egyptian Russian University for the fourth consecutive year. He highlighted the notable heroics of the Egyptian Air Force, of which he was a prominent figure during the war, leading to victory. He shared how he broke world records and combat aviation norms, with his and his colleagues’ air battles becoming a point of pride for both local and international military academies. He recounted his accomplishment of completing “52 aerial sorties” during October War, his successful emergency landing on Al-Zaafranah Road with a disabled aircraft, and the numerous medals he earned, including the Medal of Courage and the Military Star, among others.

Similarly, Captain Wissam Abbas Hafiz spoke about the achievements of the special naval forces, distinguished by their high physical readiness and members with specific qualifications and special capabilities enabling them to fulfill their mission effectively. He recounted his participation in the War of Attrition and the full story of the Egyptian attack on Eilat Port, highlighting the role of the 39 Combat Group, the most famous unit in Egyptian military history during the October War. He expressed his joy in passing down these stories to younger generations to instill and foster the spirit of October within them.

Dr. Hanaa Abdel Rahman, Advisor to the University President for Student Activities, highlighted the importance of students and new generations understanding the history of their forefathers who took part in the “October Victories” and grasping the unity of the Egyptian people and its armed forces. She added that the October Victory will always be a source of pride for Egyptians, honoring the “Egyptian Armed Forces,” the nation’s shield and fortress against any attempts to infringe upon its land, security, and stability throughout history. She noted that the university’s choir performed several patriotic songs during the celebration, to which students and attendees responded enthusiastically.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdel Nabi, the university president, honored Air Marshal Ahmed Al-Mansouri and Captain Wissam Hafiz.

The celebration of the 51st anniversary of the October 6 victories was attended by Engineer Abdel Nasser Mohamed Youssef, Deputy Head of Badr City Authority for Housing and Services, Engineer Tarek Belal, Chairman of the Educational Administration Board for Madinaty, Shorouk, and Badr and Capital Gardens, several college deans, faculty members, teaching assistants, students from various university faculties, public figures, and media representatives.

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