Memorial service and funeral for Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong

Nghe An Newspaper is broadcasting live the memorial service and funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

14:23:

The funeral procession carrying the General Secretary's coffin arrived at Tran Duy Hung Street, then passed through the Tran Duy Hung - Thang Long Boulevard intersection.

13:58:

The convoy carrying the General Secretary's coffin passed through the streets of Hanoi.

13:46:

The hearse started its engine, preparing to leave the funeral home to the somber sound of trumpets. A procession of people formed a path for the hearse to proceed through the gate.

The convoy departed from the National Funeral Home, following this route: National Funeral Home - Tran Thanh Tong - Le Thanh Tong - August Revolution Square - Trang Tien - Hang Khay - Trang Thi - Dien Bien Phu - Tran Phu - Kim Ma - Lieu Giai - Nguyen Chi Thanh - Tran Duy Hung - Thang Long Boulevard service road - Le Quang Dao - Le Duc Tho - Ho Tung Mau - into Mai Dich Cemetery.

13:40:

People stood in the streets of Hanoi to bid farewell to the General Secretary.

Thousands of people lined both sides of Tran Duy Hung Street (Hanoi) to bid farewell to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thoa (Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi) could not hold back her tears.

She said that upon hearing the news of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, she was deeply saddened and wished to bid farewell to the General Secretary.

1:30 PM:

The funeral procession has begun to transport the coffin of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Mai Dich Cemetery.

Officers of the Vietnam People's Army and the ceremonial team are preparing the procedures for the funeral procession. Officers of the Vietnam People's Army are carrying the portrait and the frame displaying the medals and decorations of the General Secretary.

Next, three honor guards carried the portrait, medals, and national flag draped over the coffin out of the funeral home.

Behind them, 12 honor guards, divided into two rows, carried the coffin out to the courtyard of the funeral home - where the hearse was placed.

13:18:

Following the eulogy, the General Secretary's son, on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to the leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, the ministries, central and local departments and organizations, leaders of other countries, and international friends...

To the sound of the "Song of the Fallen Soldiers," the family and the delegation of Party and State leaders walked around the coffin of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. With her hands clasped in reverence before the coffin, his wife, Ngo Thi Man, burst into tears.

13:05:

After the national anthem ended, President To Lam, Head of the Funeral Committee, stepped onto the podium to deliver the eulogy.

President To Lam stated: Today, with profound emotion and boundless sorrow, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, together with compatriots and soldiers nationwide, our compatriots abroad, international friends, and family, solemnly hold the memorial service and farewell ceremony for Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong - an exceptionally outstanding leader, a shining example of studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh, a steadfast communist party member with great prestige of the Party, State, and People of Vietnam, fully embodying the qualities, talents, courage, and wisdom of the generation of Vietnamese leaders in the đổi mới (renovation) period - to his final resting place.

The passing of the General Secretary is a tremendous and irreplaceable loss for our Party, our nation, and our people. Our country has lost a talented leader; the communist and progressive movements of the world have lost a sharp theorist; international friends have lost a sincere friend and close comrade; and his family, clan, and hometown of Dong Hoi have lost an outstanding son.

With nearly 60 years of rich and persistent revolutionary activity, Professor, Doctor, and General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, with his profound and insightful intellect, has left the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army a valuable system of thought and theory on the path of the Vietnamese revolution in the new era.

Firmly and creatively applying Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, with the goal of national independence and socialism, the ideologist Nguyen Phu Trong, the Party's theoretical leader, has clarified the theory of socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam, the role of the Communist Party, and the socialist-oriented market economy...

President To Lam affirmed that this invaluable legacy has strengthened the unwavering belief in the path to socialism, making a significant contribution to the development of the communist movement worldwide, and to the development of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought in the present era.

With a strategic vision of the international situation in the contemporary world, and with continuous efforts to contribute to maintaining and preserving a peaceful and stable environment in the region and the world, the General Secretary has opened a new chapter in relations between our country and international partners, promoting friendship between Vietnam and other nations, strengthening Vietnam's contributions through many practical commitments and actions, closely combining national strength with the strength of the times, and leading our country forward strongly.

“With his powerful inspiration, leading the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army with his intellect, his noble humanistic and compassionate spirit, his strong will and determination, and with the character and honor of a communist soldier wholeheartedly serving the Fatherland and the people, with the belief that ‘Honor is the most sacred and precious thing,’ the steadfast leader Nguyen Phu Trong has continuously built our Party to be increasingly clean and strong, leading our country and our people to successfully implement the reform policy,” the President affirmed.

President To Lam stated that throughout his revolutionary career, the work of building and rectifying the Party and the political system held a particularly important position for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Creatively applying Ho Chi Minh's thought on Party building, the General Secretary delved deeply into clarifying the nature of the Party and the building of a ruling Party based on the practical experience of Vietnam's reform. From there, the General Secretary, together with the Central Committee, formulated and successfully led the implementation of strategic policies on Party building and rectification; resolutely and persistently combating individualism, ideological and moral degradation, and corruption and negative phenomena within the Party. This is an extremely arduous and difficult battle against "internal enemies," making our Party increasingly clean and strong, affirming its pioneering role, courage, and wisdom, so that our Party truly "is moral and civilized."

Imbued with Ho Chi Minh's ideology and deeply aware of the crucial position and role of culture – "Culture is the soul of the nation," "As long as culture exists, the nation exists" – the great cultural figure Nguyen Phu Trong has devoted much effort and made exceptionally important contributions to building an advanced Vietnamese culture, rich in national identity, truly serving as the spiritual foundation of society, an intrinsic strength, and a vital driving force for national development. Under his leadership, after more than 70 years, our Party organized the National Conference on Culture – a milestone that connected the thoughts and actions of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, strongly promoting the role of culture in realizing the aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation.

With profound and keen political insight, the General Secretary has elevated strategic thinking, creating a new stage of development for Vietnam's national defense, security, and foreign relations. This includes the ideology of protecting the Fatherland early and from afar, safeguarding the country before it is in danger; always focusing on building a strong foundation of popular support, building a revolutionary, lean, strong, truly clean, and robust people's armed forces; the Army and Police are united and closely connected like "two wings of a bird," like "a sword and a shield," working together to overcome all difficulties, hardships, and sacrifices, maintaining peace and stability for national development. He has promoted the pioneering role of comprehensive diplomacy, forming and effectively leading the implementation of a new era of diplomacy imbued with the unique character of "Vietnamese bamboo" based on the Vietnamese people's values ​​of "adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining constancy," "harmony and friendship," and "replacing tyranny with benevolence." Under your leadership, Vietnam has become a reliable partner, an active and responsible member on the international stage; continuously integrating deeply and comprehensively into international politics, the world economy, and human civilization.

The President expressed that throughout his life, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has persistently dedicated himself to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation with an iron will and spirit, never backing down in the face of obstacles and difficulties; he has shown the utmost responsibility and revolutionary enthusiasm, working until his last breath, wholeheartedly and devotedly serving the Party, the country, and the people; affirming a great personality, living his entire life for the country, the Party, and the people.

The General Secretary is truly a shining example of unwavering revolutionary character and ethics, embodying "selflessness and impartiality," a simple, honest, and sincere lifestyle, a democratic, dedicated, scientific, thorough, decisive, and consistent work style, respecting and loving people, and being very close to the people; he is truly the nucleus that unites and consolidates the wisdom of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army...

“We respectfully honor and are deeply grateful for the immense contributions of Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong to the cause of building and developing the country and protecting the Vietnamese Fatherland during the đổi mới (renovation) period. In recognition of his exceptionally outstanding contributions, the Party and State have respectfully awarded him the Gold Star Order, the highest honor; but above all, he will forever belong to the Fatherland and the people,” the President emphasized.

Farewell, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a leader who embodied the dignity and character of the Party, the embodiment of peace, unity, and progress; the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army pledge to wholeheartedly fulfill the General Secretary's wishes, to engrave in our hearts the admonition, "If you are a human being, be a Communist," to wholeheartedly and diligently serve the Fatherland and the people, and to steadfastly follow the path taken by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and previous generations.

13:00:

At the National Funeral Home, Lieutenant Colonel Bui Van Thu, of the Hanoi Capital Command, announced that the memorial service for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was about to begin.

Permanent member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee Luong Cuong, Head of the Funeral Organizing Committee, on behalf of the Funeral Committee, declared the commencement of the memorial service for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

According to the Standing Committee of the Party Central Committee, in recent days commemorating General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, nearly 6,000 delegations representing central and local agencies, organizations, units, the people's armed forces, intellectuals, religious dignitaries, and domestic organizations and individuals; nearly 100 international delegations; and nearly 200,000 compatriots and comrades have come to pay their respects to the General Secretary at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong (Hanoi), the Reunification Hall (Ho Chi Minh City), and in Dong Hoi commune (Dong Anh, Hanoi).

Nearly 500,000 people, including citizens, officials, and members of the armed forces, accessed the online condolence book to send their condolences. Many leaders of other countries and international friends came to pay their respects and offer condolences to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, as well as to the family of the General Secretary.

"In profound sorrow, at this sacred moment, we gather here to bid farewell to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as he is laid to rest. The memorial service for Comrade General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong begins," the Standing Committee of the Party Central Committee announced.

Following the brief announcement, the national anthem was played.

12:55 PM:

12:50 PM:

Naval officers stand in neat rows, holding photos of the General Secretary, at the intersection of Trang Tien and Phan Chu Trinh streets.

12:00 PM:

Soldiers from the Military Technical Academy are on duty on Le Quang Dao Street.

11:50 AM:

At the Reunification Hall (Ho Chi Minh City), people paid their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong before his final farewell.

11:40 AM:

At Mai Dich Cemetery, even though the funeral ceremony for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was still more than 3 hours away, a large number of people from various provinces and cities had already gathered there since 11:30 AM.

Forces are deploying to ensure security and order. According to reports, the entrance to Mai Dịch Cemetery has been closed, and only the task force is allowed to enter and exit.

Many people had already stood on the opposite side of the road, facing directly towards the cemetery gate, so they could clearly see the convoys carrying the coffin of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to be buried at the cemetery.

Many people arrived early, some from Nam Dinh, Hoa Binh, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho... Everyone reminded each other to maintain security and order, and not to disturb the forces on duty.

11:30 AM:

According to regulations, the personnel serving at the funeral ceremony include 4 officers standing guard at the four corners of the coffin; 6 soldiers with rifles standing outside; 2 honor guards standing in front of the funeral home; 1 national flag team; 1 military flag team; an honor guard from the three branches of the armed forces (127 officers and soldiers), and a military band serving at the funeral ceremony.

The funeral procession included one officer carrying the portrait, one officer carrying the medal cushion, and one officer wrapping the flag. The working team consisted of one officer and twelve soldiers carrying the coffin; seven soldiers preparing the hearse; and an honor guard from the three branches of the armed forces.

The vehicles for the funeral service, prepared by the Ministry of National Defense, include: 1 command vehicle; 1 vehicle carrying the national flag, portrait, and medal cushion; 1 vehicle carrying the military flag; 6 vehicles carrying the honor guard; 1 flower vehicle; 1 vehicle towing the hearse (with a 122mm howitzer at the rear); 1 reserve vehicle; 2 communication vehicles; and 1 ambulance.

11:00 AM:

Before the start of the memorial service for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the honor guard assembled in front of the National Funeral Home. The hearse, ceremonial vehicles, and personnel were ready in the designated area.

According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, in Hanoi – the capital city where the memorial service and funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong are taking place – the weather is generally favorable, sunny and hot, with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evening and at night.

Residents should note that the following roads are completely closed to traffic from now until 2:30 PM: Tang Bat Ho, Pham Dinh Ho (section from Lo Duc to Tang Bat Ho), Nguyen Cong Tru (section from Lo Duc to Tran Thanh Tong), Yec-Xanh, Tran Thanh Tong, Nguyen Huy Tu, Le Quy Don (section from Nguyen Cao to Yec-Xanh), Nguyen Cao (section from Le Quy Don to Nguyen Huy Tu), Hang Chuoi (section from Han Thuyen to Nguyen Cong Tru) and Tran Khanh Du (section from Tran Hung Dao to Le Quy Don).

From 2 PM to 6 PM, traffic is prohibited on Ho Tung Mau street (section from Le Duc Tho to Nguyen Co Thach).

Last night, to accommodate the public paying their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the memorial service at the National Funeral Home was extended until midnight instead of ending at 10 PM as initially announced.

Since early this morning (July 26), thousands of people have lined up along the roads around the locations where the memorial service for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is being held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, waiting to pay their respects.

According to the Funeral Organizing Committee, the memorial service for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will be held at 1 PM on July 26th at the National Funeral Home, No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi.

The funeral will take place at 3 PM on the same day at Mai Dich Cemetery, Hanoi.

Memorial services for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong were held simultaneously at the Reunification Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and in his hometown of Dong Hoi commune, Dong Anh district, Hanoi.

The Funeral Organizing Committee announced that from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM on July 25th, 1,565 delegations (with approximately 55,600 people), including leaders of the Party and State, ministries, departments, organizations, localities, units, the People's Armed Forces, diplomatic delegations, representatives of international organizations and friends, and fellow citizens, came to pay their respects, send wreaths, and offer condolences to the family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.