The 23rd Commemoration Ceremony of the Martyrs of the Ansar al-Rasul Battalion Held

Reported by Hossein Tajik
Translated by Kianoush Borzouei

2025-12-24

In the final month of autumn, Andisheh Hall hosted a dignified gathering where veterans, former prisoners of war, selfless combatants, and disabled veterans renewed their covenant with the martyrs. This annual assembly was far from an ordinary reunion; rather, it served as a meaningful occasion to remember names whose acts of self-sacrifice remain profoundly tangible even after more than four decades.

Alongside the customary reception and formalities at the entrance, group and collective photographs drew particular attention. The hum of conversation filling the lobby bore witness to the warm reunions of long-time comrades.

This commemorative event was dedicated to honoring martyred seminarians and university students. The program started with the screening of a documentary on the twelve-day war, shedding light on the dimensions of a newly emerged front. Subsequently, at 7:00 p.m., the ceremony formally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by the young reciter Mohammad Saleh Ghadimi. Following the melodious verses of the divine revelation, all attendees rose simultaneously to softly chant the national anthem.

As in the previous year, the 23rd memorial was hosted by Davoud Salehi, who, recalling memories of the Sacred Defense, invited the former commander of the battalion, Haj Qasem Ghorbani, to deliver the opening remarks and extend his welcome. The exclusive anthem of the Ansar Battalion—an enduring feature of all past commemorations—was once again performed collectively by the audience. The subsequent part was devoted to a performance by the Laylat al-Qadr Tavasih Group.

Following the performances of the pieces “Martyr” and “Mother,” the program proceeded with the screening of a special interview conducted by the Ansar Battalion with the families of the martyred seminarians and students. Upon the conclusion of this piece, the master of ceremonies, through an emotionally charged supplication, prepared the atmosphere for the international Laylat al-Qadr group’s subsequent choral performance.

Thereafter, Mashallah Shahmoradi, a distinguished figure in cinema and television, shared personal recollections from the period of the imposed war.

With the conclusion of Mr.Shahmoradi’s engaging and heartfelt narrative, the ceremony moved to the honoring of the families of the martyred seminarians and students—an element that lent particular dignity to the gathering. In this segment, attended by Messrs. Mohtasham, Barati, Ghorbani, and Nourmohammadi, thirteen families of martyrs and six disabled veterans were formally recognized.

In the closing moments of the event, Hossein Keyhani, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lady Fatimah, further enriched the spiritual atmosphere through poetic recitation and tributes.

Among the additional side programs was a dedicated children’s section, where trained instructors created joyful and engaging moments for families.

Finally, it is worth noting that the 23rd Commemoration Ceremony of the Martyrs of Ansar al-Rasul Battalion of the 27th Mohammad Rasulullah Division was held on December 12, 2025, coinciding with Mother’s Day, at the Artistic sect of the Islamic Republic.