Profound gratitude extended to those fighting for national independence

THE HANOI TIMES — Commemorative activities have been held across Vietnam to honor wounded soldiers and individuals who have rendered meritorious service, in celebration of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2025).

These activities demonstrate the nation's profound appreciation for their sacrifices and contributions to its independence and freedom.

Caring for revolution contributors is a command from the heart: Party leader

Ahead of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, Party General Secretary To Lam visited wounded and ill war veterans at the Thuan Thanh Wounded Veteran Nursing Center in the northern province of Bac Ninh. He stated that caring for those who have served the nation and revolution is not only a major policy, but also a command from the heart and a moral duty of the entire political system and society.

Describing the center as a historic "red address" bearing testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering will of Vietnam's national heroes, Lam expressed heartfelt regards to and comfort for the wounded and ill war veterans, as well as to the center's entire staff, medical personnel, and workers.

The Party General Secretary reaffirmed the Party and State’s stance that those who have served the revolution are valuable national assets, reflecting Vietnam’s moral tradition and commitment to patriotism. He hoped that the wounded and sick would live joyful and healthy lives and serve as shining examples for younger generations.

On July 24, in Hanoi, top leaders, including General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, met with 250 individuals who have rendered meritorious service and are exemplary historical witnesses.

They paid tribute to heroic martyrs who courageously fought and sacrificed their lives for national liberation, independence, freedom, and the happiness of the people.

"Every July, our people dedicate their most sacred and profound feelings to remembering and expressing gratitude to those who sacrificed for our country: the heroic martyrs and wounded and sick soldiers who spared neither their blood nor their lives for our nation's independence, freedom, and peace," said General Secretary To Lam.

He emphasized that this anniversary is significant in Vietnam's national history. It is marked by ceremonial events, including state-level commemorations, tributes at war cemeteries and memorial sites, and visits by Party and State leaders to the families of martyrs and disabled veterans. There are also public campaigns and patriotic education to honor the nation's heroic traditions.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh added that July 27 is also an occasion for the entire Party, people, and army to express deep gratitude to the families of those who served the revolution. The noble tradition of “remembering the source when drinking water” connects generations of Vietnamese people.

Furthermore, a delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee visited Luong Thi Con, a Vietnamese Heroic Mother born in 1939 in Binh Thuan Ward, Lam Dong Province. She is the wife and mother of four fallen soldiers and revolutionary contributors: Do Van Luyen, Nguyen Thanh Chinh, Cao Van Hoi, and Nguyen Van So.

During the visit, the delegation inquired about the health of the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, wounded soldiers, and revolutionary contributors. They encouraged the individuals to stay healthy, uphold the traditions of Uncle Ho’s soldiers, and serve as moral examples for future generations.

Another delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee visited and gave gifts to 143 wounded soldiers and relatives of revolutionary contributors who are currently being cared for at the Nho Quan Center for the Care of Wounded Soldiers in Nho Quan Commune, Ninh Binh Province.

Hanoi presents gifts to social policy beneficiaries

On this occasion, Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, visited Vietnamese Heroic Mother Cong Thi Mui, born in 1925 in Phu Thuong Ward. Her two sons were: Cong Van Ngoc, who fought in the Hue battlefield and fell in 1973; and Cong Nghia Hoa, who served in the Cambodian theater and lost his life in 1979.

Hoai also visited war veteran Nguyen Hung Phong, born in 1940 in Ba Dinh Ward and disabled by 41%; Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Dao Duy Canh, a victim of chemical poisoning living in Ba Dinh Ward; veteran Nguyen Trung Tien, disabled by 85%, in Duong Noi Ward; and veteran Nguyen Duc Sau, disabled by 65%, in Ha Dong Ward.

Hoai emphasized that the Party, the State, and the people will always remember the dedication and contributions of the families of wounded and fallen soldiers, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, and contributors to the revolution. They will strive to enhance the support provided to these contributors so that their families enjoy better lives.

Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, visited and presented gifts to veterans and outstanding policy families in Hoan Kiem District who participated in liberating the country.

The mayor said that the municipal government has striven to take good care of those with meritorious service, both emotionally and materially.

"These meaningful and practical activities demonstrate the city's deep gratitude and appreciation for those who have rendered meritorious service, especially the veteran revolutionaries who contributed to national liberation 78 years ago," said Thanh.

The mayor sent his best wishes for good health to the revolutionary veterans, encouraging them to promote revolutionary ethics and to inspire their children and grandchildren to participate in nation-building and educate the younger generation about the revolutionary tradition, thereby contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

Hanoi youths pay tribute to revolution contributors

According to Nguyen Tien Hung, the Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union, the capital's youth have given 130 restored portraits of martyrs to their families as special gifts. Since 2024, hundreds of photos of martyrs that were damaged over time have been rescued thanks to digital technology. The Hanoi Youth Union has given these photos to relatives of martyrs in the city.

"In the coming time, we will continue to digitize historical revolutionary relics, create a digital map of significant locations, and digitize martyrs' cemeteries. Through these activities, the Hanoi Youth Union affirms the youth's responsibility to inherit and promote revolutionary traditions and express deep gratitude to those who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom," Hung said.

This July, many gratitude activities have been organized within the framework of the 2025 Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign. Each unit has carried out at least one "repaying gratitude" project.

Nguyen Mai Anh, Secretary of the Dong Da Ward Youth Union, told The Hanoi Times: “Taking care of and cleaning up the martyrs’ cemetery allows us to express gratitude and teaches the younger generation about our traditions.”