Mansoura University and Dakahlia Governorate celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the glorious October victories and Air Force Day under the slogan: "October Victory... A Renewed Covenant"

Mansoura University, in cooperation with Dakahlia Governorate, organized a celebration to mark the 52^nd anniversary of the glorious October victories and Egyptian Air Force Day, which coincides with the anniversary of the Mansoura Air Battle, in which our air forces defeated the Israeli enemy on October 14. The celebrations were held at the university's Olympic Village Stadium under the slogan: "October Victory... A Renewed Covenant." The celebration was attended by Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University; Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia; Major General Amr Attia, Commander of the Eastern Air Zone; Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; and Dr. Ahmed El-Adl, Deputy Governor of Dakahlia. The ceremony was also attended by a group of elite leaders from the Armed Forces and the Air Force, heroes of the glorious October War, university leaders, and representatives of regulatory, sovereign, executive, academic, and religious authorities. Among those in attendance were Prof. Moawad El-Kholi, President of New Mansoura University; Prof. El-Saeed Abdel-Hadi, President of Horus University; the Military Advisor to the Dakahlia Governorate; former vice presidents of the university; deans of faculties; Islamic and Christian clerics; members of the Parliament, Prof. Nisreen Omar and Prof. Walaa Abdel-Fattah; the university's Secretary-General; assistant secretaries; undersecretaries of ministries in the governorate; a number of public figures, journalists and media professionals; faculty members; student activities coordinators; the Director-General of Student Welfare and directors of activities departments; the Student Union; the Students for Egypt family; and university students.

The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Walid El-Husseini, broadcaster on the Holy Quran Radio and Egyptian Television.

In his speech, Prof. Cherif Khater saluted and appreciated the heroes of the Armed Forces and the eagles of our Air Force, emphasizing that today's celebration embodies three shining moments in Egypt's history: the anniversary of the glorious October victories, Egyptian Air Force Day, and the 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit. He explained that these events, although separated in time, are connected in meaning, united by a single thread: Egypt's greatness and its pioneering role in war and peace. He added that the October 6 victory was not merely a military battle, but rather a battle of dignity, honor, and the restoration of national identity. He noted that the moment of crossing the Suez Canal and destroying the Bar Lev Line marked a new birth for the Egyptian nation, restoring self-confidence and proving that Egypt does not know the impossible. He added that October 14, 1973, will remain an immortal day in the nation's memory, when the Air Force's Eagles performed the most magnificent heroic acts in the Mansoura Air Battle, which lasted more than fifty minutes, making it one of the longest air battles in modern history. He emphasized that Air Force Day commemorates these heroic acts that raised Egypt's glory. He pointed out that Egypt today is waging another battle no less honorable than the battles of war: the battle for peace, development, and reconstruction. He cited the Egyptian state's efforts at the 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, which affirmed that Egypt remains the voice of wisdom and reason and laid the first foundations for ending the fighting in Gaza through a roadmap for a just peace. He concluded his speech by emphasizing that Egypt, which fought for freedom, is the same Egypt fighting today for peace. He called for the continuation of the path of development and renaissance under wise national leadership, affirming his pride in the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and saluting the souls of the nation's righteous martyrs who watered its pure soil with their blood.

The governor said that the anniversary of the holidays brings to mind timeless days of glory, recalling one of the brightest pages of Egyptian heroism on October 14, 1973, when the skies of Mansoura were transformed into a field of honor, and the battle became a shining landmark in the history of the Egyptian military. He added that the Battle of Mansoura is considered the longest air battle in modern military history, lasting more than fifty minutes of fierce aerial combat, during which our heroes shot down a large number of enemy aircraft without significant losses to our forces, despite the significant difference in numbers and combat capabilities in favor of the enemy. The governor pointed out that this epic battle took place in a place where the meaning of patriotism has been deeply rooted throughout the ages. Fifty-two years later, the principles remain unshakable, and the men stand united behind the wise and sensible leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is crafting a present worthy of the nation and planning for a more prosperous and stable future. He emphasized that events have proven that Egypt is protected by God and is on the right path with a comprehensive vision protected by the efforts and sacrifices of its people.

The governor also said that the October 6 victory restored dignity to Egypt and the Arab nation and proved that the will of the people is invincible. He noted that Egypt continues its Arab and national role in consolidating stability and building peace. He emphasized that this is clearly evident in the tireless and sincere efforts of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who is wisely leading a purely national vision to achieve consensus and a ceasefire in Gaza, laying the first foundations for ending the fighting from the land of peace, Sharm El-Sheikh, leading to reconstruction and the consolidation of a just and comprehensive peace. Marzouk emphasized that yesterday's sacrifices remain a driving force for today's construction and development battles, and that the modernization and development achieved in Dakahlia came thanks to the support of the political leadership and the solidarity of the governorate's people. He called on young people to be disciplined, honest, and skilled, following the example of the October heroes. The Governor of Dakahlia expressed his gratitude, appreciation, and pleasure for the presence of military and national leaders and heroes of the Air Force at today's ceremony, and their participation in Dakahlia Governorate and Mansoura University's joy over the victories of the Mansoura Air Battle, which is a beacon of pride for Dakahlia Governorate.

Major General Tarek Marzouk concluded his speech by emphasizing that the people of Dakahlia, who have offered martyrs, scholars, and innovators, are capable of continuing the path of growth and progress, inspired by the heroic deeds of the past as a light to illuminate the paths of the future. He paid tribute to our righteous martyrs and to all those who carried the skies of Egypt on their shoulders, protecting them, so that Egypt may remain a symbol of strength and peace.

The celebration included honoring ceremonies by Mansoura University for a number of national and military figures in recognition of their contributions to the nation. Major General Tarek Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia, and Major General Amr Attia, Commander of the Eastern Air Zone, presented the Air Force shield to the President of Mansoura University and the Governor of Dakahlia. Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi was also honored for his efforts in the education and student sector, as well as for his leadership of the team organizing this event. Dr. Ahmed Anwar El-Adl, Deputy Governor, was also honored. Major General Amr Attia also delivered a speech in which he conveyed the greetings of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense and Military Production, and the Commander of the Air Force to the distinguished attendees. He emphasized the Armed Forces' pride in the spirit of cooperation and cohesion among state institutions. He commemorated the initiative of Mansoura University and Dakahlia Governorate in organizing this national celebration, which coincides with the fifty-second anniversary of the glorious October victories and the ninety-third anniversary of the establishment of the Egyptian Air Force. It commemorates the Mansoura Air Battle, which will remain an enduring mark in the annals of Egyptian military heroism.

Major General Amr Attia extended his thanks and appreciation to the President of Mansoura University and the Governor of Dakahlia for hosting this honorable celebration, which reflects the spirit of patriotism and belonging among the people of the governorate. He emphasized that the Armed Forces are always proud of Egypt's educated, aware youth, capable of carrying the nation's banner. The program included a panoramic presentation documenting the epics of the glorious October victory, produced by the university's Media Center, and an educational seminar titled "Strategic Deterrence," delivered by Major General Dr. Nasr Salem, former head of the Reconnaissance Service, who addressed the lessons of the October War in building defense capabilities.

A documentary film produced by the Dakahlia Governorate Media Center documenting the heroic deeds of the Mansoura Air Battle was also screened. This was followed by fireworks to celebrate the anniversary, amid a solemn patriotic atmosphere that filled the audience with pride and appreciation for the nation's glorious history.

The program also included a dialogue seminar with retired Major General Abdel Moneim Ibrahim Hammam, Staff Pilot, and retired Major General Medhat Labib Sadek, moderated by journalist Hazem Nasr, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al-Youm newspaper and Head of the Dakahlia Journalists Syndicate. A patriotic artistic segment was also presented by the Mansoura University Choir, led by maestro Dr. Amr El-Morsi.

 It is worth noting that the ceremony was organized under the supervision of Dr. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, with the participation of the organizing committee that included Dr. Mohamed Sabry Saraya, Coordinator of Student Activities at the University, Dr. Shaima Abdel Wahab, Dr. Mariam Wissa, Maestro Dr. Amr Morsi, Dr. Diaa El-Din Mohamed of the University Choir, Colonel Mohamed Abdel Bary, Director of the Military Education Department, and Mr. Ahmed El-Ashry, Director General of Student Welfare, with the participation of all the activities departments at the university and within the faculties.