In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
I felicitate the Iranian nation and the brave and committed armed forces of Iran on the occasion of the Army Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This year our felicitations hold a special significance as we greet our army, the armed forces, and the nation that possesses such an army that stood tall as a powerful dam against the onslaught of the troops of Satan backed by the two superpowers as well as its other agents and saved its beloved country. This year the Army Day is an epoch-making day for the nation. It is a very proud day for the country and is full of honor for the army and the other armed forces. Our greetings to the army and the nation are not a mere formality; they are full of genuine enthusiasm! It is a truth which is manifested in our warfronts. It is a truth that has been experienced by the troops of Saddam and the army of Iblis (Satan). The repeated victories of our armed forces bear witness to this reality. They have already found place in the chronicles of world history no matter what the mercenary mass-media claims or writes. Let the external and internal forces of evil keep resorting to whatever conspiracies they can to create differences between our powerful armed forces. These desperate attempts only go on to prove their weakness and defeat! Today, all our precious forces are united in action against the merciless and faithless army of the enemy with calmness of mind, surety of heart, and firmness of faith and will defend the rights of the oppressed peoples of the world until the final destruction of the foundations of kufr. May God Almighty help and support them!
I deem it appropriate to reiterate upon certain points on this occasion:
1. It is very important that the army and the other armed forces pay even further attention to disciplinary matters and hierarchical orders during this year that has been declared as the" year of the law" so that the army and the other armed forces gain further power and unity. Any breach concerning disciplinary matters is tantamount to breach of law. I am hopeful that our Islamic armed forces become invincible by fostering fraternity, maintaining discipline, and eliminating violence.
2. The commanders and the other army personnel should rest assured that their struggles and sacrifices are acknowledged and appreciated by God Almighty and by the noble Iranian nation. It is important to lend a deaf ear to the whisperings of the deviated elements and groups and not to allow lassitude and anxiety to creep in. Know that one of the satanic plots of the enemy is to create despair and vacillation. The noble Iranian nation is not negligent in its Islamic and human duty of appreciating the efforts of the armed forces. The more you succeed in adding to your power and achievements and the more you gain success over the enemy, the more is the nation's appreciation, gratitude, and support toward you. May God Almighty support you and the nation be your faithful companion.
3. I pray to God Almighty to shower His mercy and blessings upon the beloved martyrs of the army and the other armed forces and to grant health to the war-disabled soldiers and the defenders of Islam. I also extend my greetings and condolences to the survivors of the martyrs. These beloved ones should know that the noble nation shares their grief and sorrow. I have suffered the loss of precious children who were the pride of Islam while you have offered your dear, chivalrous family members in the service of the Merciful God. May God Almighty help and support you. I, once again, congratulate you all on this great day and pray to God for health and prosperity for you, my beloved children. May God's peace, mercy and blessings be upon you.
Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini