Egypt opens military museums free to public for Martyr's and Veterans' Day

CAIRO – 8 March 2026: Egypt’s Armed Forces opened military museums to the public free of charge on Saturday as part of celebrations marking the Martyr's and Veterans' Day.

In a statement, the military said the initiative aims to promote military and national awareness among various segments of society and to highlight the achievements, heroism and sacrifices of Egyptians who gave their lives in defense of the country.

The free access includes military museums and the open-air exhibition area at the 6th of October War Panorama, allowing visitors to learn more about Egypt’s military history.

Egypt marks the Martyr's and Veterans' Day annually on 9 March in honor of those who died defending the nation.

The date commemorates the martyrdom of Abdel Moneim Riad, the former chief of staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, who was killed in 1969 during the War of Attrition.

Riad was visiting front-line positions north of Ismailia on the second day of intense fighting when he was fatally wounded by Israeli artillery fire while observing the results of combat operations alongside his troops.

He died while being transported to a hospital in Ismailia.

His funeral drew large crowds from across Egyptian society, with mourners paying tribute to the general in a solemn procession marked by deep national grief.