TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Thursday that the Iranian youth have stood to defend the achievements of the Islamic Revolution, IRNA reported. In a message on the occasion of "Martyrs Day", the sixth day of the Ten-Day Dawn celebrations to mark the 24th anniversary of victory of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader said, "the memory of the brave martyrs is illuminating the record of the Islamic Republic as shining jewels calling on Iranian youth to defend their own dignity."

The Leader said that the Iranian nation is moving forward to the heights of national aspirations thanks to the lively presence of the young population in different fields of rendering service to the nation and defending national sovereignty.

Elsewhere in his message, the Leader said the faithful young population is the invaluable wealth Iranian nation have for defending the achievements of the Islamic Revolution.

"The hegemonist powers should know that the nation and the youth are ready in all fields to safeguard national honors and go ahead with the lofty goals of the Islamic Republic," the Leader pointed out.