Statements in Meeting with Members of the June 7 Ceremony Organizing Committee

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

This incident was not one of those events that could be allowed to be forgotten. It was not an isolated incident from the various factors in the revolutionary environment—whether from the internal factors of the revolution or from the external factors opposed to the revolution's orientation. When we envision the June 7 incident in our minds, we clearly see several dimensions:

The first dimension is that this Republic and this revolution had such ruthless, inhumane, and audacious enemies who were willing to suddenly bury seventy, eighty, or even a hundred people in one incident, among whom were personalities like Martyr Beheshti. Now, these gentlemen, thanks be to God, were saved; otherwise, it would not have been just seventy-two people; it would have been more. This is truly something very strange. That an enemy could be so spiteful is quite remarkable. Who would believe that a political adversary in a country would be willing to go so far as to employ terrorism to destroy prominent and reputable figures with such a grand move? We must not forget, and the people must not forget, what a truly difficult obstacle this was that the revolution overcame. This is one aspect of the matter that immediately comes to mind in the June 7 incident.

The second dimension is the invulnerability of the revolution. When this incident occurred, instead of extinguishing or diminishing the flame of the revolution, like oil poured on this flame, it caused the people's fervor to peak from the very first hour. Overall, the situation was the opposite of what the enemy wanted. The enemy did not carry out the June 7 incident to make the people more determined to preserve the revolution and unite their ranks; they did it to create a breach in this fortress. Not only did it not create a breach, but other breaches were also closed. The invulnerability of the revolution was truly something magnificent. These two issues and the presence of the people, their tears, and the funerals—which I, of course, did not see myself, but I heard about and saw the photos, films, and television—what a spectacle it was, and what the people did in that incident.

The third dimension, which is also present in this incident and, in my opinion, is important, is that the martyrdom of figures like Martyr Beheshti demonstrates the sincerity and righteousness of the revolution and its supporters. Of course, on that day, it was not intended that only Martyr Beheshti would be martyred; rather, it was intended that everyone would be killed. They did not plan the plot just for Martyr Beheshti. Mr. Hashemi, I, Mr. Bahonar, and others were also supposed to be killed in that incident. In the revolution, all these well-known and key figures of the revolution were exposed to martyrdom and did not turn away from this matter. After the martyrdom of Martyr Motahari, it became clear that this path is in the revolution and not in comfort. Everyone understood that the threat of death was very serious and imminent, threatening these officials. Yet, they stood firm and resolute. When one gives someone like Mr. Beheshti or those ministers—who were the country's officials—one feels proud. These martyrdoms demonstrate the sincerity and righteousness of the revolution and its supporters.

Therefore, this incident must remain alive. You gentlemen who have committed to this matter, "Shukrallah Masaikum" (May God reward your efforts). God willing, may God assist you so that you can carry out this work as best as possible.

And the point that, in my opinion, should be considered is that efforts should be made to truly revive June 7. Now, financial and non-financial issues and the like will be resolved; these are nothing. Eventually, you will find money, and surely you will find it; just as the Almighty God still raises people who do not let this burden remain on the ground and you carry out the work; however, the point is what you intend to do? Posters and the like are good. I am not one of those people who are against posters. Now, some have fallen to the other side and are against posters. As soon as there is talk of posters and silk and the like, they immediately react. I am not like that; but what purpose do you pursue with posters and silk, and how much will they fulfill that purpose? This is truly a question. Five thousand silk banners in this large Tehran—now we are not talking about Iran—where will they be seen? This number will fill one street. When we have a seminar on one street, if we want to silk both sides of this place so that everyone knows this street is the place for this work, we almost need this number of silks. Or, for example, four hundred thousand posters of Martyr Beheshti may be distributed. Martyr Beheshti has so many photos; now it will be written under the photo: Ninth anniversary of martyrdom. I have this question: what will come out of this work?

Of course, you may have thought about the surrounding issues and come up with reasonable plans and want to implement them—which I do not know—but my point is that this work must be revived. How is its revival? I say, invest the most in this part of the matter. For Mr. Motahari—a martyr of such greatness—they held anniversaries for three or four years, and the radio said something, and then they gradually thought of doing something so that these anniversaries would have an effect for the line that Motahari represents. They did this, and it is good. Every year, they do something. For example, a discussion takes place, and a new issue is produced or addressed in the intellectual space of the Islamic world. Ultimately, such things must be done.

How can June 7 be commemorated? In my opinion, this is the issue. Thanks be to God, the capability for this work is present in your assembly. When I look, I see esteemed scholars and experienced cultural figures present in this assembly. Brothers who were involved in the revolution are also present here. Therefore, such a group is sufficient to think about it. But now, whether this has been thought of or not, I do not know. If not, it must be done.

May God, God willing, assist, pave the way, and accept these efforts with His grace, for these are what remain for a person. God willing, may you be successful and supported.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings