Social Affairs
Requiem remembers war heroes of Dien Bien Phu
A solemn requiem was held in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on April 25 to commemorate the heroic soldiers who laid down their lives in the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, along with representatives from ministries, departments and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, were present at the event to offer incense to the deceased.
The requiem shapes part of activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory of May 7, 1954, which helped end French colonial rule in Vietnam.
The same day, a ceremony was held in Dien Bien Phu city to officially name Vo Nguyen Giap Road, drawing nearly 1,000 officials, soldiers and compatriots from local ethnic groups.
The street, previously called May 7 Road, now bears the name of the Vietnamese General who masterminded the famous victory under the instruction of the Party and late President Ho Chi Minh.
The road stretches 7km through the wards of Him Lam, Tan Thanh, Muong Thanh and Nam Thanh, which house many historical sites from wartime.
The General’s son, Vo Hong Nam, speaking on behalf of his family, thanked the local authorities and people for their affection towards his father and paid his respects to the soldiers who fought in the battle.
As one of modern Vietnam’s most revered figures, General Giap’s guerrilla tactics inspired anti-colonial fighters worldwide.
