Journalists: The Heroes of the Narrative Front

By: Yaghoub Soleimani Deputy for Culture and Education, Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs

Journalists, at the most sensitive historical junctures, do not merely record events; rather, with precision, integrity, and a sense of responsibility, they assist in raising public awareness and shedding light on the various dimensions of reality.

The Iranian press community has passed through one of the most glorious periods of its activity over the past year. From the 12-day war and the Ramadan war to the martyrdom of the esteemed martyr of Iran, the Supreme Leader [Ayatollah Khamenei], as well as commanders, the students of Minab and Lamerd, nuclear scientists, and innocent people in every corner of the country—our capable journalists have recorded the difficult yet magnificent scenes of the Iranian nation’s steadfastness against the aggressions of America and the Zionist regime.

Journalists, photographers, cameramen, and all pillars of the country’s media remained in the field alongside the people, showing the suffering and oppression of the Iranian nation to the world. They were the voice of truth and recorded the [nation’s] resistance and holy national unity. In the narrative field, they were timely and responsible; by narrating the truth honestly, they kept hope alive and strengthened national cohesion. They did not allow the truth to be sacrificed to the enemy’s media clamor, nor did they allow the cries of the world’s oppressed and the crimes of the world’s arrogant powers to be silenced.

We honor the memory and name of all media martyrs, the anniversary of the tragic martyrdom of the diplomats and journalist martyr Mahmoud Saremi, and especially the journalists and activists who were martyred while performing their duties. They sacrificed their lives in the path of enlightenment, recording the truth, and conveying the voice of the Iranian nation, and their names will remain eternal in the media history of this land. I also bow my head in respect before their patient and proud families.

I sincerely congratulate all journalists and writers on National Journalist Day, especially those activists who did not abandon the field during the most difficult days, who wrote about the martyrs and the Imam [Khomeini], and who contemplate the promotion and excellence of the culture of sacrifice and martyrdom within the holy bastion of the media. I express my gratitude for their jihad, sacrifice, and valuable efforts.