In the message, Imam Khamenei has thanked all organizations and people, who did
all they could during "these bitter ten days and nights” and pulled off a big
task.
The Plasco building in downtown Tehran caught fire on January 19 morning and
came down after four hours, blockading a number of people under the debris. More
than 20 people, including 16 firefighters, were killed in the incident.
The funeral of the firefighters is being held at the Grand Musalla (prayer hall)
of Tehran.
What follows is the full text of Ayatollah Khamenei’s message released by the
Leader’s official website:
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Now, after many bitter nights and days of concern and exploration, it is time to
record and revere the memory of the glorious and heart-wrenching sacrifice made
by faithful and courageous firefighters of the Iranian nation and (it is time
for) everybody to know these men, who must be truly called low-profile and
devoted heroes, and keep their lesson in their minds.
These chivalrous men entered the fire and rubble with amazing bravery in order
to save the lives and property of their fellow countrymen and risked their (own)
lives and sacrificed themselves. They once again revived the memories of
sacrifices made in the period of the Sacred Defense (eight-year Iraqi imposed
war against Iran in the 1980s) and proved that when it comes to taking risks to
fulfill one’s obligation, the faithful Iranian embodies the firm determination
and exemplary courage and offers on the path of God the commodity of his life
without asking any questions.
The bereaved families and the entire Iranian nation must be proud of this
determination and valor that arise from faith, and scholars must take into
account this phenomenon in their analyses and assessments of Iran and faithful
Iranians.
This incident was sorrowful, on the one hand, while being pride-inspiring, on
the other hand. These (firefighters) are martyrs on the path of a difficult
service. They fulfilled a risky duty and, God willing, will never be forgotten.
I mourn these loved ones and others, who lost their lives in Plasco incident,
sharing the grief with their families and survivors, and ask the Almighty God
divine mercy for them (firefighters) and patience and (spiritual) reward for
these (their survivors).
I also thank all organs and people, who shouldered a heavy mountain of work and
effort, perseverance and concern during these ten bitter days and nights with
all their power to save the lives of the firefighters and other people trapped
(under the rubble) and pulled off a big task through cooperation and empathy,
and (I) pray for them the divine reward.
source:Tasnim news agency