Demonstrators, chanting anti-US and anti-Zionist slogans, proved to the world that they have stood united against the arrogant powers and remained faithful to the cause of the revolution.
In Tehran, many officials joined demonstrators in the march to the iconic Azadi Square where President Hassan Rouhani delivered a speech and addressed the nation.
What made the demonstrations even more fascinating was the participation of people from all walks of life in the rally, ranging from parents carrying infants in baby strollers to senior citizens who could barely walk to those who were being wheeled in their wheelchairs.
We took the opportunity to talk to a surviving war veteran, Nasrollah Hassanlou, who lost 70 percent of his body’s mobility in the early stages of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). Hassanlou said the historic Bahman 22nd, the day of victory of Iran’s Islamic revolution which falls on February 11, is the sheer reason for him to come out and participate in the rally. “This is a holy day, a gift from God.” The late Imam Khomeini, the founder of the revolution, Hassanlou expressed, “renewed our commitment with Islam.”
Sports icons were also in the vast crowd, and wrestler Abbas Jadidi was no exception.
Jadidi, who competed in the freestyle heavyweight category at the 1996 Summer Olympics and won the bronze medal, told us participation in the Bahman 22 rally is a symbol and an honor for the country and is a “religious duty.”
“Today marks the greatest day for our country when 37 years ago, Iranians stood united and broke the chain of captivity.”
On the same occasion, some took advantage of the mass to convey a certain environmental message.
A group titled “Khodkar-e Asemani”, which means “heavenly pen”, came out in the rally with the purpose of educating people to separate garbage.
The cultural-artistic group, all with painted faces and in workman’s turquoise-color uniforms, was encouraging demonstrators to sort out dry garbage from wet waste.
Mehdi Baqeri, the head of the Khodkar-e Asemani group, told us that he launched the theatrical group, performing pantomime to “urge people to live in peace with their environment.”
Last but not least, young children, bundled up in warm winter jackets and Iran’s flags in hands, were marching alongside their parents to always remember how the Islamic revolution triumphed over the ruling of Shah and foreign hegemony way over three decades ago.
Now, it is up to all of us to carry on the message of the Islamic revolution to the future generation and have the motto live on.
TT/MNA