Meeting of the Members of the National Congress of Ten Thousand Martyrs of Trades and Markets of the Country

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The issue of the market and trades, and the entry into the field of struggle by this group and this class, is one of the important matters in the history of our revolution. I acknowledge and have witnessed closely that among the first groups, and perhaps it can be said the first group that responded to the call of Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) in the movement, were the devout merchants - throughout the country in various ways, but mainly in Tehran and some large cities - and they heated the atmosphere of the country in the year 41; and this has continued in these years. Now you have mentioned some of the distinguished figures of the trades, but the number of renowned and distinguished individuals is much greater than this, and many of them are not well-known; this congress that you are holding will certainly help to revive and keep alive the names of these honorable individuals of the Islamic system and the Islamic revolution; it is a very appropriate and timely endeavor. In the trades, some of those who were engaged in work dedicated their efforts to the revolution and to the war, which we have seen closely; some went to the front; some took their work to the front; some financed the fronts and provided financial assistance; very valuable work has been done, and honestly, their rights and share is that there should definitely be a significant memorial, a good congress held, which, thanks be to God, you are now in pursuit of. And God willing, may God assist you in carrying out this work with good content - as has been pointed out - ... God willing, may you be successful and supported.