Held at the resting place of 10,263 soldiers who died along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail during the resistance war against American imperialism, the ceremony brought together central and local leaders, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, war veterans, families of martyrs and invalids, and thousands of young people from across the province.

In a solemn atmosphere, Prime Minister Chinh and other delegates offered incense and flowers and observed a moment of silence to honour President Ho Chi Minh and the fallen heroes. He paid heartfelt tribute to the generations of revolutionaries whose sacrifices have made possible the nation’s peace, independence, and growing stature on the international stage.

On behalf of the Party and State, the Prime Minister extended his deepest gratitude to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, war invalids, sick soldiers, families of martyrs, and all those who rendered service to the revolution. He recalled that Vietnam’s modern history has been shaped by the sacrifice of countless patriots, from ancient times to the Ho Chi Minh era, including some 1.2 million martyrs, 652,000 war invalids, nearly 200,000 sick soldiers, and over 132,000 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers. More than 300,000 individuals were affected by Agent Orange/dioxin.

Quảng Trị alone, once one of the fiercest battlefields, is home to 157 cemeteries containing the remains of more than 74,000 fallen soldiers.

“Our nation is proud to have given birth to so many heroes, those who have brought lasting honour to our homeland,” the Prime Minister said. “The achievements we enjoy today are deeply rooted in their sacrifices.”

He called upon the entire country, especially the younger generation, to remain united and dedicated in building a strong, prosperous, and civilised Vietnam, fulfilling the dreams of President Ho Chi Minh and the aspirations of generations past.

The Prime Minister emphasised that caring for those who contributed to the revolution is a sacred and long-term responsibility of the Party, State, and the whole society. He urged local authorities to continue improving preferential policies, ensuring that all support reaches beneficiaries promptly and effectively.

He also encouraged the expansion of gratitude movements, including efforts to build gratitude houses, provide savings books, care for Heroic Mothers, and support wounded veterans and their families. He stressed the importance of practical assistance in household economic development and small business support to help these individuals lead better lives and contribute to national progress.

Highlighting the role of public awareness, he urged a continued focus on fostering patriotism, especially among young people. In particular, he called on the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to launch a nationwide campaign to collect and preserve stories, photos, and memorabilia of war veterans and fallen heroes.

On this occasion, he presented 80 gifts to families of revolution contributors and witnessed the handover of 29 AI-restored portraits of fallen soldiers to their loved ones, a powerful gesture of remembrance and respect from the younger generation.

The ceremony was co-organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Quang Tri provincial authorities.

Youth nationwide light candles in tribute to fallen heroes

VOV.VN - Thousands of Vietnamese youth across the country are to hold candle-lighting ceremonies on the evening of July 26 to pay tribute to fallen heroes, marking the 78th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).