Thousands of candles of gratitude lit up at the martyrs' cemetery in Ho Chi Minh City

On the evening of July 25, the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union solemnly held a candlelighting ceremony to pay tribute to heroes and martyrs at the Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs Cemetery ( Hanoi Highway, Long Binh Ward). This meaningful activity took place on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2025), to express deep gratitude to the outstanding children who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

The ceremony was attended by Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong and many leaders of all levels of the city. In particular, more than 1,000 union members and youths lit candles together, creating a solemn and emotional atmosphere.

Thousands of shimmering candles were lit on each grave, symbolizing the deep gratitude of today's generation for the noble sacrifice of heroic martyrs.

Before lighting the candles, all delegates, union members, youth and relatives of heroic martyrs observed a solemn moment of silence to remember those who fell for national independence.

The gratitude ceremony took place in a solemn and dignified atmosphere, demonstrating the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source" of the Vietnamese people.

The Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs Cemetery is the resting place of more than 14,000 heroic martyrs who sacrificed their youth for the country. Under the monument of the Vietnamese Heroic Mother, they rest in the remembrance and pride of their families, comrades and compatriots.

On behalf of the City's youth, Ms. Nguyen Hoa Kim Thai, former Vice President of the Student Association of the University of Economics and Law, Ho Chi Minh City National University, expressed deep gratitude to the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, families of martyrs and people with meritorious services to the revolution.

The delegation of Ho Chi Minh City leaders led by Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee Nguyen Thanh Nghi attended the candle lighting ceremony, demonstrating the deep concern of the city's leaders for the work of gratitude.

On the evening of July 25, a candle-lighting ceremony was held simultaneously at many important locations, including the Ho Chi Minh City Martyrs' Cemetery, the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province Martyrs' Cemetery, the Binh Duong Province Martyrs' Cemetery and the Dau Tieng Commune Martyrs' Cemetery (old Binh Duong Province).

On the occasion of July 27 this year, 100% of martyr cemeteries, steles, and martyr memorials in Ho Chi Minh City were lit with candles by the Youth Union at all levels to express deep gratitude to the heroes who have turned into bright stars, illuminating the way for the Vietnamese nation to live forever.

Nguyen Kim Anh, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, shared: "This is the second time I have participated in lighting candles on July 27 at the Ho Chi Minh City martyrs' cemetery. I still feel as excited and proud as the first time."

Before the ceremony, preparations were carried out carefully and solemnly. Thousands of national flags were placed on the graves, flower vases were replaced, and the cemetery grounds were cleaned and tidy.

City leaders and more than 3,000 union members, youth, students and pupils offered flowers, incense and lit more than 25,000 candles at the graves of heroic martyrs. These meaningful activities not only demonstrate profound national values, but also serve as a reminder of the origin and the noble spirit of "Repaying gratitude" of the Vietnamese people.

Photo: Bao Quyen

Dantri.com.vn

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/xa-hoi/hang-nghin-ngon-nen-tri-an-bung-sang-o-nghia-trang-liet-si-tphcm-20250726015429114.htm