Statements at the Meeting with Members of the Congress for Commemorating the Three Thousand Martyrs of Semnan Province

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

It is a very good and commendable act that you have undertaken to commemorate the martyrs of your province, and God willing, you will continue to do so. The issue of the imposed war and its consequences—including these sacrifices, selflessness, and martyrdom—is not an ordinary matter; it is an extraordinary issue. If we look closely, the series of events that occurred over these years and the sacrifices made by our youth can serve as a lasting treasure for the revolution forever. We must not allow this treasure to remain unused; the way to do this is to keep the memory of the martyrs alive.

Of course, Mr. Shahcheraghi has mentioned some points about the merits of Semnan Province; I also acknowledge this; I truly believe that your province is a very blessed one; there are many faithful people, committed individuals, and prominent scientific, social, and political figures in this province. Both in the current government and the previous one, the presidents have come from your province; this should be noted. Sometimes, some provinces feel envious and ask why no one from our province reaches such positions. Thanks be to God, Semnan Province is distinguished in terms of its prominent scientific, social, and political figures, as well as its efforts and similar matters; there is no doubt about that.

In any case, this work is valuable; today, the act of honoring the martyrs and preserving the cherished memory of these dear ones is a duty. Some want to consign this to oblivion; those who do not have a good relationship with the teachings of the revolution and its aspirations and goals also do not have a harmonious relationship with preserving the memory of the martyrs and do not cherish it. However, our people love the martyrs; because our martyrs made sacrifices; they gave up their lives and comfort; they went to the battlefields and offered their lives. This is not a small matter; it is very significant. In terms of description, one can say many things, but in terms of action, not everyone can act; high faith, steadfastness, and iron will are necessary for one to enter this field, and the martyrs did this. The work you have done so far and reported is very good; these actions are commendable; that is, recording their memories, honoring their memory and names, promoting their images, or the words attributed to them are very good actions. The list you enumerated regarding the actions taken is very good, but your aim should be that the teachings related to martyrdom and the meaning of selflessness and faith penetrate deeply into your audience today.

Audiences are not always the same; yes, I believe that today’s youth are not less capable, determined, and faithful than the youth of the 1980s; this is my belief based on familiarity, awareness, reports, and studies of the field; we hold this belief, but it should be noted that today, the youth of our country are exposed to dangerous ideological threats. In the 1980s, this was not the case; not that there was no motivation, the motivation for destruction has always existed and will always exist, but the tools were not as abundant; today, the tools are many, and the communication means that exist can widely disseminate a wrong idea or thought, which did not exist back then; today, it is available to everyone; this must be taken into account. Now, you mentioned that you have taken actions on mobile phones; very well; these are good; I do not deny them, but look to see what can engage the hearts of these youths with the issue of faith, with the issue of selflessness, deepening their commitment and strengthening their attachment to this thought; study this; this is not something that can be easily achieved. One must know the audience, which today consists of tens of millions, many of whom are young; whether they are in universities, high schools, or other environments; all of these are our audiences, and one must understand them, know their capacities; one must also learn how to communicate with the audience. This is very important; see what you should say. Your intentions are very good; there is no doubt about that; both your intentions and your efforts and abilities are good, but some tasks require that one consult with specialists in the field, with those who have experience in this area; do not forget this and see how you can; now, for the time being, think within the province; he mentioned that it is a small province, but it is not very small; in terms of area, it is not a small province; it may be less populated—not very populous—but it is not a small province. The regions of this province are culturally diverse; that is, Semnan and Shahroud are not the same; you who are from the province know better than I do; I am also familiar with your province. You see how you can speak with this audience that belongs to this province and with the cultural diversity that exists in the province; what you should say to have an impact; then, if your congress can achieve these results, it will truly be a distinguished work; it will be a significant achievement. Utilize the scholars, use those who have experience in communication issues, and select from among the existing matters. Maximum use should be made of art; you mentioned songs; this is very important. If you can create a beautiful, impactful song with good content, such that children hum it while walking in the streets, going from home to school, you will have accomplished a very great task; that is, using art correctly; this will make your work easier and facilitate it. In any case, efforts must be made, work must be done.

Today, fortunately, the country is not engaged in military warfare, but it is engaged in political warfare, economic warfare, security warfare, and above all, cultural warfare; it is in a state of war. If someone does not know this, then they will remain asleep; if someone does not know, they will remain asleep. Just not knowing that the enemy is preparing to attack and from where and how this attack will come, you must be sure that you will be defeated; you must know what the enemy is doing. Today, the scene of the country is like this. When we say "cultural war," "economic war," this does not contradict the fact that a sense of calm should also prevail in the country. We advocate for a sense of security; we want a sense of security to be established; that is, there should not be a situation of arrests and beatings; everyone should feel secure; we cherish this; this does not contradict what we said that the enemy is fighting us in the most special way possible. That special form must be recognized, and the way to confront it must be found; there are various methods; however, some do not want to understand this, do not want to believe it, because if they believe it, it places a responsibility on their shoulders; some do not have the capacity for it. But the reality is this; that is, today, in various fields—as we mentioned, both in economic, cultural, and political fields—a war exists in the country. وَ اِنَّ اَخَا الحَربِ الاَرِق; (the one who is engaged in battle is awake); then it was said: وَ مَن نامَ لَم یُنَم عَنه; (if you fall asleep on the battlefield, it does not mean that the opponent is also asleep and unaware); if you become unaware of him, it does not mean that he is also unaware of you; no, you may fall asleep, but he may be awake; this must be taken into account; hence, the arena is a very important one.

In any case, we thank you gentlemen who have made efforts and worked hard and initiated this movement; ten years is a good time for such extensive work. Mr. Shahcheraghi mentioned that you have been working for ten years; I like these works that are carried out with opportunity and tranquility; that now we decide quickly today and want to start in six months, this does not work; it must be done with deliberation and tranquility; well, you have done the work with tranquility; God willing, may God accept your efforts and grant you success.