Armed Forces Day Egypt celebrated on October 6th. It commemorates the start of the October War, also known as the Yom Kippur War, when combined Egyptian and Syrian military forces launched a surprise attack on Israel in 1973. Although the assault was ultimately unsuccessful, the initial regaining of the Sinai territory was a source of pride, representing the first Arab military victory over Israel since the Six-Day War. Celebrations on Armed Forces Day honor the bravery and sacrifices of the Egyptian armed forces and their role in the country’s history.