Candles lit in commemoration of fallen soldiers nationwide

Hanoi, July 28 (VNA) - Candles were lit at cemeteries in major cities and provinces on July 26 in memory of fallen soldiers dedicating their lives to the nation. The candle-lit ceremony formed part of activities commemorating the 67th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27). In Hanoi’s Mai Dich cemetery, nearly 2,000 youngsters and officials offered incense and wreaths at graves of ex-revolutionaries and leaders. On the occasion, gifts were also presented to 67 families of invalids and martyrs in Hanoi city. In the central province of Quang Tri - home to Truong Son national martyrs’ cemetery, some 1,000 students gathered to pay their respect to over 10,000 soldiers losing their lives during the American war in Vietnam . The provincial chapter of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union received 850 million VND from a Ho Chi Minh City-based corporation in support of social welfares in the locality. It also doled out gifts, each worth 1 million VND, to relatives of martyrs living in need. Earlier on July 25, senior local officials paid tribute to war heroes at the Road 9 national martyrs’ cemetery, Truong Son national martyrs’ cemetery and Quang Tri ancient citadel. Similar activities were also held in Ho Chi Minh City on July 26. At a cemetery in Vientiane province, 70km far from the capital on July 27, Vietnamese embassy staff paid homage to the souls of Vietnamese and Lao heroes who sacrificed their lives to Vietnam and Laos’ independence during the 1946 anti-French war.-VNA