It is a tradition that [this week] would be an opportunity for the perseverant officials of the Administration to report on their efforts, on their achievements, [and to report] on their determination for the coming year or the next few years.
So that, they would be praised and the works that have been done would be commended and appreciated by [other] officials [and] by people, and possibly a note could be given [to ministers] or, for example, removal of a certain shortcoming would be demanded.
this is the purpose of the Government Week; however, the noteworthy point is that the Government Week is like an Eid [a festive occasion] for the Administration; that is, it marks annual recurrence of a certain occasion – and this is what Eid means – and a time for talking and telling and such things.
The occasion that has been assigned to this week is one of the most painful memories in the country; that is, the martyrdom of two prominent loved ones such as Martyr Bahonar and Martyr Rajaei.
Now, this year [this occasion] happens to coincide with the Dignity Week, but usually, this week is reminiscent of the disastrous demise of these two great personalities.
I believe that the divine philosophy that flew through the hearts and tongues of officials and this incident took place and this occasion occurred at this time is because Martyr Rajaei and Martyr Bahonar would not be forgotten and would remain before our eyes as two indices [and] two measures.
Well, these two being [considered] as indices cannot be said to be [simply] due to their powerful management or, for example, assume [that it was] because of their abilities and innovations; [this is true] because these two dear ones’ time in office did not take long; [the tenure] of the late Bahonar was very short, [and] for the late Rajaei [his time in office] was a few months – [it was] about for example assume a year. [Also,] they being [considered as] measure is due to their behavioral as well as their personal and their moral characteristics.
This [is one of those points that] we must always bear in mind.
Well, the time changes; the diverse current of cultures and values and the likes of these comes [and] goes – this is the nature of time – [and] alterations take place in minds [and] in thoughts, but there are some unchanging principles, which these principles must be always taken into consideration. For us, the officials in the sacred establishment of the Islamic Republic, these unchanging principles can be sought and found in personalities of these two dear and revered men.
Well, I was intimate with them, especially with the late Bahonar for many years, [and I was] also the same with the late Rajaei; from before the [Islamic] Revolution up to the time of responsibilities [in government offices] and in the Majlis [parliament] and outside the Majlis; they really had characteristics which we must never forget.
In my opinion, their faith in this path, in these goals, the goals that Imam [Khomeini] delineated and the Islamic Republic stands for those goals, is a very important index; their devotion, [and] the spirit of serving [the nation] that existed in these [two men], who really worked [incessantly] day and night and worked to be of service [to their country].
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