TEHRAN -- August 17 (Mordad 26) was the anniversary of the return of Iranian POWs to the Islamic motherland. On this occasion, the Foundation for Promotion of Sacred Defense Values, the Defense Ministry, and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) issued separate statements honoring the patience, resistance and bravery of the POWs during their captivity.

The foundation for the Promotion of Sacred Defense Values commemorated the return of pure and patient POWs on Mordad 26 and congratulated the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the dignified nation of Iran and the POWs' families on the anniversary.

The Defense Ministry statement mentioned the POWs' bravery and loyalty to the late Imam Khomeini and their perseverance during the hard years of captivity. The Defense Ministry also congratulated the Leader and the nation on the anniversary.

The IRGC statement commemorated the anniversary and pointed to the return of the POWs as the sign of the victory of the Islamic Republic and stressed that, without any doubt, the loyal and heroic nation of Iran will never forget the POWs' bravery and sacrifices and will always honor them.

Meanwhile, the Encourage the Good and Forbid the Wrong Headquarters issued a statement asking all publications and institutions to commemorate the anniversary of the return of the POWs and has expressed hope that the freed POWs would continue their active presence in all fields of social activities.