In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
On the last day of the Sacred Defense Week, which has been designated as the Day of Paying Tribute to the Martyrs and War-Disabled Veterans of the Sacred Defense Era, the fact that deserves the utmost consideration and attention is that our country and the Iranian nation and history are greatly indebted to these valorous and honorable men. It was their self-sacrifice in the arena of revolution and military defense that protected the nation's independence and safeguarded the country's geographical borders and security.
The enemies of Islam resorted to military aggression, fully equipping the corrupt and perverse Ba'thist regime and delegating it to wage war against the faithful and valorous Iranian nation, in order to furl up the hoisted flag of the Islamic government and so as to remove this motivating element from before the eyes of other Muslim nations.
The striving and perseverance of this great nation, which zealously defended Islam and the Islamic Republic and brought honor to their religion and the Muslim Ummah, stemmed from deep faith in the merit of martyrdom and the high status of the martyr, and the enthusiasm for self-sacrifice flaming in the hearts of the Islamic combatants and their families emanated from this profound and unwavering belief.
Some attained the high status associated with martyrdom, and others persevered with their struggle in the arena of the Sacred Defense, looking forward to attaining that high status. "...some of them have fulfilled their vow, and some of them are still waiting." (the Holy Qur'an 33: 23)
Thus, the unique struggle of the Iranian nation set an example to the entire Islamic Ummah, since it in practice showed to all other Muslim nations that the secret of honor, independence and prosperity is jihad and struggle characterized by dedication and self-sacrifice.
Martyrs are like bright luminaries in a clear sky that show the right direction to others. May Almighty Allah bestow His mercy and blessings on them all.
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
6.7.1385
Leader’s Message in Commemoration of Martyrs and War-Disabled Veterans
The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on September 28, 2006 issued a message in commemoration of martyrs and war-disabled veterans. The message was issued on the last day of the Sacred Defense Week which has been earmarked for paying tribute to the martyrs and war-disabled veterans of the Sacred Defense era. In his message, Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that it was the self-sacrifice of martyrs and war-disabled veterans that protected the nation's independence and safeguarded the country's geographical borders and security. The text of the Leader's message is as follows: ...