In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Taking pride in the young generation of Muslims
From one point of view, I am worried and from another, I am happy. According to the contracts among governments, and, if they want to find faults with the movement, they may say that people under sixteen should not be allowed to vote. From this point of view, I am sorry. And because they have not allowed such youths to vote, I am sorry. But I am happy because from one viewpoint I see so much enthusiasm, zeal and your interest in your social affairs and this attachment that you have to Islam and to your Islamic country. Not allowing you to vote does not mean that you, dear children, are not being valued. That is only due to certain practices in the world and inevitably, we, too, have to abide by them so as to avoid faults being found with the referendum Do not say that, God forbid, you have not been accorded value. You are dear to us; you are the resources of this country for the future generation. We are proud of you for showing such enthusiasm and zeal in your social and political affairs. We apologize to you for having to abide by this prohibition because of certain necessities and expediencies.
The role of children and youngsters in the Islamic Revolution
Do not be worried. You participated in this movement. You gave your blood. You attended the demonstrations in this movement and shouted slogans. You are contributors to this holy movement, which belongs to you. Perhaps, we should say that the share of little children or those who have not yet reached puberty, or are very young, is much greater! These dear children, in spite of their physical weakness and diminutive statures, took part in this movement; they attended this movement shoulder to shoulder with the adults and advanced the movement hand in hand with them. Your share is greater than that of others. I have pinned my hope on you to take the rein of our country's fate in your hands in the future, God willing, and be the heirs of this country.
May God grant you health, honor and prosperity, and God willing, you will be partners in the social affairs in the future. Do not worry; we look to you exactly the way we look to adults, and our sentiments for you should be more. I pray to the Exalted God for the prosperity of you all. Hail and praise to you all.