Solemn candle lighting ceremony at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery

Attending the ceremony were comrade Tran Nhat Minh - full-time National Assembly delegate of Nghe An province ; representatives of the Provincial Party Committee's Inspection Committee; Provincial Border Guard Command - Provincial Military Command; leaders of communes in the old Anh Son district; and a large number of people and tourists from all over.

On the side of Anh Son commune, there was comrade Nguyen Huu Sang - Member of the Provincial Party Executive Committee, Party Secretary, Chairman of the Commune People's Council and other commune-level leaders.

1 candle — Scene of the candle lighting ceremony at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

As part of the program "Drinking water, remembering its source", the Candle Lighting Ceremony and Incense Offering Ceremony express deep gratitude to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the cause of national liberation, building and defending the Fatherland and noble international duty, affirming the morality of "Repaying gratitude" of the Vietnamese people.

At the ceremony, the leader of the Fatherland Front Committee of Anh Son commune read the "Funeral oration for Vietnamese - Lao soldiers at the friendship cemetery", affirming the contributions of the heroic martyrs since they left their plows and hoes, said goodbye to their families and homeland to go on international missions, and help the Lao ethnic groups.

2 light candles — Delegates attending the candle lighting ceremony. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Life and fighting were full of difficulties, hardships and sacrifices, but they still maintained their loyalty, courage, steadfastness and determination to defeat the enemy. Fierce battles and resounding victories gradually helped the Lao ethnic people liberate themselves from the yoke of colonialism and imperialism.

Many Vietnamese volunteer soldiers have sacrificed their lives to keep the Vietnam-Laos friendship alive. Every generation remembers their merits and would like to light a candle and incense to show their gratitude and respect. The entire Party and people, from the highlands to the lowlands, would like to remember the merits and follow the example of the heroes and martyrs; vowing to devote their lives to contributing to the construction of the country and homeland...

4 candles — Youth union members of Anh Son commune light candles to pay tribute to heroes and martyrs. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

During the ceremony, delegates offered flowers, incense and offerings to express their respect, gratitude and remembrance of the heroes and martyrs. On this occasion, union members and youth lit candles for nearly 11,000 graves at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery.

The festival "When drinking water, remember its source" is held annually in Anh Son district (old), now Anh Son commune, to commemorate the great merits and sacrifices of heroic martyrs who spared no effort in blood and youth for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland and for the noble international mission.

3 light candles — Leaders of Anh Son commune offer incense to commemorate heroes and martyrs. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

This year's festival takes place from July 11 to 27 with many meaningful activities. The ceremony includes the following activities: Opening Ceremony, Announcement Ceremony, Candle Lighting Ceremony and Thanksgiving Ceremony. The festival includes a men's volleyball tournament.