Addressing tens of thousands of Egyptians Saturday evening during a ceremony commemorating the 39th anniversary of Egypt's "victory" over Israel during the October 1973 war, President Mohamed Morsi said, "It was a monumental event. We will never forget the heroes and shahids (martyrs)."

Morsi was elected president of Egypt after Hosni Mubarak, a hero of the Yom Kippur War, was ousted. Earlier this week, on Thursday, he laid a wreath on slain president Anwar Sadat's grave in a rare homage from an Islamist leader.

Prior to the ceremony, a small rally in support of the ailing Mubarak was held outside Tora Prison, where he is serving a life sentence.

During the memorial ceremony, which was held at Cairo's soccer stadium, Morsi said "today is a day of victory. This has been a happy day for the past 39 years. The commanders and soldiers crossed the Suez Canal, demolished the Bar-Lev line and entered Sinai. It was a decisive campaign, and thanks to Allah Egypt retrieved not only its land, but also its dignity and pride."

Morsi linked Egypt's achievements during the war to the January 25 revolution, which led to Mubarak's downfall. "The 1973 war was a historic victory that restored the dignity of all Egyptians. The second victory came during the January 25 revolution, when the people and the army united. The January 25 Revolution was peaceful before the hand of betrayal turned it violent."