As twilight fell, those present were invited to light candles and draw near to the stage set up for the purpose. The evening began with poems appropriate to martyrdom and mourning read in Persian by prominent local poet and women’s activist Partow Nouri Ala. There was then a musical performance by singer Mamak Khadem, accompanied by various friends, Iranian and non-Iranian, on different instruments including the santour and the oud. This section concluded with a passionate singing of the revolutionary-era anthem “Yar-e Dabestani”, led by Ms. Khadem and moving some in the audience to tears. There then followed another poetry reading by a second prominent local poet, Majid Naficy, who read a number of greatly moving poems in both Persian and English. The present writer then read one poem in English, before audience members were invited to reflect on the meaning of the sacrifices made in Iran while music and poetry were played softly in the background. Finally organizers declared a two minute silence in memory and honor of the martyrs. The program concluded with Ms. Khadem once again leading us all in “Yar-e Dabestani”.
All those present paid warm tribute to the organizers, for the tasteful and appropriate poetry and music, for the beautifully decorated stage fronted by photographs of the martyrs surrounded by flowers, and for the thought and attention they had devoted to evoking the memory of those who had rendered up their lives for the freedom and right to chose their own president. The organizers were insistent that the message of the martyrs should be transmitted by all those present far and wide, so that no-one in the world should doubt the value and significance of their sacrifice. The audience left sad and heavy of heart, yet determined to redouble their efforts to support the green movement in Iran, and cautiously but firmly optimistic of the eventual triumph of justice and right. 
