Funeral of President Tran Dai Quang in his hometown

After the morning memorial service at the National Funeral Home (Hanoi), in the afternoon of the same day, the hearse carrying President Tran Dai Quang traveled 120 km to his hometown in village 13, Quang Thien commune, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province.

The President's burial site is located on a large flat plot of land next to Highway 10, bordered on two sides by rice fields. On the other side is a small irrigation stream with clear water, overlooking the village associated with his childhood. The President passed away on September 21 in Hanoi, after more than a year of treatment for a serious illness. Vietnam held two days of national mourning in his memory.

Although the organizers announced the burial time many days in advance at 3:30 p.m., thousands of people from Kim Son and neighboring districts poured into the cemetery from noon to wait for the funeral procession. Highway 10 was jammed as people stopped to watch.

On the way, the hearse passed by several places associated with the President's childhood. Photo:Le Hoang

Mrs. Nga from Yen Khanh district and her husband traveled 20 km to attend the funeral in the morning. "He died so young, everyone in his hometown is saddened," she said.

Standing pensively outside the security fence, Nguyen Thi Khang (75 years old) said her hometown is 25 km from the President's house, so she came to pay her respects yesterday afternoon and stayed overnight to attend the funeral today. "I have never met the President, but I heard many people say that he was poor and studious, so I feel sorry for him," she said.

Only a few responsible people were allowed into the cemetery, most people stood outside the fence set up by the funeral security force.

The President's burial place. Photo:Le Hoang

Like many Kim Son residents, Mr. Le Kim Toan (80 years old) mourns his former student. Mr. Toan was Mr. Tran Dai Quang's homeroom teacher for three years at Kim Son B High School (Kim Son District). Due to poor health, he could not attend the funeral, so he asked his relatives to light incense for his former student.

He recalled, "Quang's poor family situation became even more difficult when his father died early, leaving his six siblings living with their mother." "Quang was slim, had a high forehead, and showed intelligence and a love of learning from a young age." Teacher Toan taught all six of the President's brothers.

Before arriving at the burial site, the funeral procession passed by several places where the President spent his childhood, such as the small house he lived in in village 13, Quang Thien commune, and the old school he attended...

Relatives and central leaders welcome the remains into the ceremony area. Photo:Giang Huy.

13:30, the funeral procession entered the mausoleum to the sound of music.Soul of the deadThe funeral was solemnly performed by a military band. Relatives, local leaders and monks stood in two rows. Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh joined the honor guard to escort the body to the altar.

The head of the President's family delegation read the eulogy, emphasizing that the passing of General Tran Dai Quang was an unexpected loss. He recited a long poem praising the President for his "virtue and integrity, his love for the people as well as his relatives."

The coffin was taken to the burial site. Photo:Giang Huy.

After the eulogy, the paternal and maternal relatives walked around the coffin, tears streaming down their faces. Following them were the delegations of the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of Ninh Binh province offering incense. Neighboring provinces such as Thai Nguyen, Thai Binh, Ha Nam... also sent delegations to pay their respects.

At 3:30 p.m., the burial ceremony began, and the President's wife and family members burst into tears.

Many relatives could not hold back their tears. Photo:Giang Huy.

Leaders, former leaders of the Party, State and the President's family dropped the first handfuls of soil into the grave. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, former President Nguyen Minh Triet... clasped their hands in front of their chests and walked around the coffin. Many police generals, military and soldiers raised their hands in salute.

At 4 p.m., as the bell rang, the honor guard began to fill the grave. Wreaths were brought and placed around the grave. People observed a minute of silence and circled the grave for the last time to bid farewell to the President. Senior Lieutenant General and Minister of Public Security To Lam raised his hand to salute his predecessor for a long time.

When the tomb was completed, those present observed a minute of silence and walked around the tomb for the last time to bid farewell to President Tran Dai Quang.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh delivered a speech of thanks.