Statements of His Excellency on the occasion of Army Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

I congratulate Army Day to all the dear personnel of this serving organization and also to the nation of Iran. Army Day is a historical day full of meaning and is considered one of the lasting and significant memories. The significance of this day is that the survival and elevation of the army in our country became the starting point of history. It may be instructive for the young army personnel to know that many sought to destroy national assets under various pretexts at the beginning of the revolution; as they did with some organizations. One of the assets they were determined to destroy was the army; however, our great Imam (may his soul be sanctified) rose wisely to neutralize this conspiracy. Thus, the army came forward as a revolutionary and faithful organization.

The important point is that for the renewal of the army and to give it a revolutionary direction, no non-army element entered the army; rather, the faithful elements of the army and the aware and vigilant individuals who were not lacking within the army rolled up their sleeves and accomplished this great task. Despite the fact that the corrupt royal regime sought to completely subordinate the army to foreigners and that disloyal figures to the people and loyal to the enemies were at the head of this army, the body—composed of the faithful people and ordinary citizens of Iran—kept itself intact. Elements of the army—some of whom are present today, some have been martyred, or have gone to meet God—stepped into the arena; they designed the plan for the renewal and revolutionary transformation of the army themselves, pursued it themselves, and brought it to fruition. Therefore, today’s young generation of our army owes them. The bond between the young generation of the army and that generation which was able to free the army from the hands of foreigners and foreign worshippers and place it in the hands of the Iranian nation is a permanent and everlasting bond. The youth must appreciate these predecessors. In any case, the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran was formed according to the principles of an effective army; it was able to demonstrate valuable experiences in the battlefields and earn pride for itself. The greatest pride of an army is to be the defender of the nation and the country and to show efficiency in the face of danger. The army of the Islamic Republic has demonstrated these two characteristics.

Today, the field for the elevation of the army is open. The year of Alavi behavior has a manifestation everywhere. The youth of the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran can look to Amir al-Mu'minin (the Commander of the Faithful) as a behavioral model of a devoted and sincere human being and reflect Alavi behavior in their own actions: tireless work, sincere effort, and striving for greater scientific and practical elevation. The high-ranking officials of the army organization can also take Alavi behavior as their model as brave and pure-hearted commanders. The existence of Amir al-Mu'minin as a leader, a commander, and a responsible figure was a manifestation of purity, transparency, and honesty. He did not allow comfort to enter his life; he did not show arrogance towards his subordinates; he considered himself everywhere a servant of God and the people and worked sincerely—without expectation of worldly gain. This can manifest in the behavior of us and in the behavior of anyone who is responsible in any organization as Alavi behavior.

A foundation of national power lies in the armed forces. National power means the power of the nation. The power of the nation is reflected in the performance of the officials of a country. If the performance of the officials in enacting and implementing laws, in honesty and purity, in tireless effort, in bringing forth creative and effective initiatives, in modeling distinguished and exemplary individuals, and in rejecting corrupt individuals—these areas can only be fully realized with sincere faith in God—if the performance is good, the nation feels empowered.

National power has military, economic, political, and organizational dimensions. In all areas, officials can do things that make the nation feel empowered. When the enemy attacks the borders, if the officials responsible for defending the borders perform their duties well, the nation feels empowered. When the global arrogant politicians, through various political games, seek to impose something on a country and a nation, if the political apparatus of that country can wisely and skillfully repel the enemy's imposition, the nation feels empowered. When all international capitalists try to ensnare a nation and a country in their economic octopus and unjustly attract the resources of a nation under deceptive names, if the economic officials of the country can take necessary measures with prudence and alertness and with appropriate speed, prevent the enemy's claws from penetrating the country's economy, and flourish the national economy, the nation feels empowered. National power is a completely complex and composite concept that is neither militarism nor should the absence of militarism be an excuse for isolating military work. Military personnel also share in national power. In a military organization, national power is manifested through military efficiency and the growth of noble qualities among them.

I emphasize unity among the armed forces—both organizations and forces within an organization. Unity does not mean becoming one; unity means being coordinated and sympathetic. The army, the Revolutionary Guard, and the police force, each in their defined and established duties, should work well and elevate their quality, recognize others officially, respect and value them, and be sympathetic to them. This becomes a manifestation of national power.

Today, you see that those who talk about peace and human rights inflict the most damage on peace and human rights. Why do peace advocacy organizations not condemn the aggressor country that is invading its neighbor? Why do the organizations claiming to defend human rights not defend the rights of the Palestinian nation? Is the Palestinian nation not part of humanity, or is that claim a lie and empty, serving the goals of global arrogance?

Today, the hidden and overt power apparatuses—whether in economic, military, or security fields—are working to bring billions of people under their control. They succeed in some places and fail in others. One of the places where they have failed—and by the grace of God and the efforts of you, the Iranian nation, they will continue to fail—is the great country and the magnificent nation of Iran. Undoubtedly, regarding the Iranian nation and country, global arrogance and the power-seeking hands will fail. We thank God that the Iranian nation is awake; we thank God that our armed forces are vigilant and aware; we thank God that hearts are illuminated with faith in God. Appreciate this faith in God and strengthen your relationship with God.

I hope, God willing, that you will always be among those who are included in the pure prayers of the Awaited Savior, may our souls be sacrificed for him, and be counted among the servants and soldiers of that esteemed figure. May God be pleased and satisfied with the pure souls of the martyrs and make the pure soul of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) an intercessor for you.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.