The Army Is a Unifying Institution for All Ranks, Reflecting the Nation Itself by Bringing Its Citizens Together

Translated by Yasmine Mohamed 
Reviewed by Nada Tamer 

Brothers,

Thank you for this invitation that has allowed us to gather in this place and for allowing us to see love written all over faces.

Tyrants and malicious people may try to sow discord among the sons of this nation, to drive a wedge between brothers and citizens. But today, being among you, I do not feel like a stranger; rather, I feel as if I am living in the atmosphere I experienced in 1938 when I met with various groups and social classes.

The army is a unifying institution that brings together officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers. This institution reflects the nation by unifying its citizens. Now, among you, I can sense sentiments and passion.

In the past, they tried to separate the sons of the nation and divide them into factions. But today, can they really separate blood from blood, heart from heart, destiny from destiny, or land from land?

What truly unites us is our goal, just as our hearts unite us and our shared blood unites us. Today, I feel a sense of meaning.

The enemies of the revolution will not succeed in dividing the sons of this nation into groups and sects, as they used to do in the past by spreading hatred and resentment. The country has changed today. This revolution marks a turning point in its history; it is the beginning of an era based on charity and cooperation for the sake of both the individual and the collective. Today, people prioritize their country over themselves.

There is a long road ahead, and this revolution is not the army’s revolution; it is yours, the nation’s revolution, not the revolution of Gamal, Salah, or anyone else. Individuals may decay, but the revolution belongs to the people, working to achieve its highest goals.

Brothers,

The challenges are numerous and great. Last month, you witnessed the enemies at home and abroad lying in wait, deceiving you with rhetorical words. Therefore, hearts and minds must be purified so that we can build a country in which we can live.

This responsibility is not simple. Whenever an individual thinks of themselves, they should consider their nation, son, and brother.

This spirit must be reflected everywhere. I felt this while serving in the army, witnessing the nature of the Egyptians and their dedication and sacrifice. During the Palestine War, I saw soldiers fighting with nothing but their loyalty, dying for this devotion and innate spirit. It was through this spirit that we were able to endure and work to elevate this country, making Egypt a great nation.

Today, as the guardians of security, you bear great responsibility, having had the opportunity to interact with all social classes.

Brothers,

This revolution is serious; it is not superficial. Its goals are not achieved suddenly or by a miracle but through work, unity and love. Destruction is easy, but construction requires the labor, sweat and effort of everyone. Construction may be moral before it is material, but afterward, we can move on to material construction. We, brothers, must live in a free and dignified country, and we must join forces to achieve these goals.

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Speech of President Gamal Abdel Nasser at Constables Club

On March 15, 1954