Funeral ceremony for President Tran Dai Quang

At nearly 12 o'clock, in the funeral home and in the yard, delegations lined up to pay their respects to the late President.

The funeral continues this afternoon.

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 27, the memorial service and procession will take place. The President's body will be brought back to his hometown: Hamlet 13, Quang Thien Commune, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province for burial.

From left to right: The eldest son and wife of the late President at the memorial service on the morning of September 26. Photo: Giang Huy

The National Assembly delegation of Ninh Binh province visited the late President at his hometown in Quang Thien commune, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. Photo: TTX.

Ninh Binh residents were moved at the funeral of President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: TTX

Despite the hot weather, a long line of people still stretched out in front of the Reunification Hall, waiting for their turn to pay their respects to President Tran Dai Quang, including groups of students, officials, artists, and representatives of consulates in Ho Chi Minh City...

Mr. Dang Viet Bich wrote in the condolence book.

Despite his old age and poor health, Mr. Dang Viet Bich (son of the late General Secretary Truong Chinh) was present early but only entered to sign the condolence book near noon. "I deeply mourn General Tran Dai Quang. The General was a person who made great contributions to the development and consolidation of the People's Public Security force to effectively protect the Party, the State and the Revolution. I would like to send my deepest condolences to the General's family," he expressed.

According to the plan of the City Funeral Committee, from 11am to 1pm, diplomatic delegations will come to pay their respects, lasting until 7am on September 27.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen led a high-ranking delegation to pay tribute to President Tran Dai Quang.

Mr. Hun Sen paused for a long time and bowed before the coffin of President Tran Dai Quang. The Cambodian government leader also expressed his condolences to the late President's wife and family.

On September 21, Prime Minister Hun Sen sent a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, expressing his deep condolences on the passing of President Tran Dai Quang. On September 24, the King of Cambodia also sent a letter of condolences to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, praising the President's "positive contributions to the construction and development of the country."

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen visits late President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: Giang Huy

Acting Head of State, President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum and President of the National Assembly Samdech Heng Samrin visited President Tran Dai Quang at the Vietnamese Embassy in the capital Phnom Penh.

President Tran Dai Quang made his first State visit to Cambodia in June 2016. This activity took place in the context of 2017, when Vietnam and Cambodia celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations (June 24, 1967 - June 24, 2017).

Prime Minister Hun Sen offers condolences to the wife of the late President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: Giang Huy

South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon led a delegation to pay respects to the late President.

Writing in the condolence book, he expressed his sadness at the passing of President Tran Dai Quang. "The Korean people will remember the late President's special care and friendship for Korea and will strive to continue developing the relationship between the two countries. President Tran Dai Quang was not only a leader respected by the whole world but also a dear friend of the Korean people," he wrote.

South Korean Prime Minister leads a delegation to pay respects to President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: Giang Huy

The late President's wife at the funeral on the morning of September 26. Photo: Giang Huy

The late President's family at the funeral on the morning of September 26. Photo: Giang Huy

Delegations of domestic and international leaders visited President Tran Dai Quang one after another on the morning of September 26. Photo: Giang Huy

Lao Vice President Phankham Viphavanh led a delegation of about 20 senior officials to pay their respects to President Tran Dai Quang.

Lao Vice President leads a delegation to pay respects to President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: Giang Huy

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cam visited the late President. Photo: Giang Huy

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong writes in the condolence book. Photo: VGP

Writing in the condolence book, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong wrote:

“Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, leader who made many contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of our Party, State and people, especially to the People's Public Security force, building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland.

Comrade's passing is a great loss to our Party, State and people, leaving deep sorrow for all of us.

I respectfully bow before the spirit of Comrade!

My deepest condolences to the family for this great loss.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and former General Secretary Le Kha Phieu before paying their respects to President Tran Dai Quang. Photo: VGP

Writing in the condolence book, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan wrote: "The City Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and the People of Ho Chi Minh City deeply mourn the passing of General Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

As President, he has paid much attention to and supported the development of policies and strategies for Ho Chi Minh City to develop rapidly and sustainably for the benefit of the whole country. During his time as a member of the 14th National Assembly of the Ho Chi Minh City National Assembly Delegation, he spent a lot of time meeting and listening to the opinions and legitimate aspirations of the city's people in order to have timely solutions..."

Finally, Mr. Nguyen Thien Nhan wrote: "Farewell comrade Tran Dai Quang. I would like to send my deepest condolences to his family."

Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh wrote in the condolence book:

• “Sir!
  The past few days, the Office has been filled with sadness because we will miss you forever and cannot believe that you are gone forever and really gone.
  Every day in the lunch room, Anh still sits down to eat. His brothers and sisters still prepare the meal neatly but it is still intact, along with fragrant incense sticks but it breaks his heart!

  I wish you a peaceful sleep forever.
  My sincere condolences to Ms. Hien and family".

• Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh signed the condolence book.

  From right to left: National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and former National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung sign the condolence book. Photo: Giang Huy

  In the condolence book, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan wrote:

• “Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

  Comrade's passing has left behind many regrets in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and international friends. His contributions to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, protecting the Party and State, and his wholehearted devotion to the people will forever be remembered by comrades and compatriots.

  Farewell, comrade. Rest in peace forever.

• National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan signed the condolence book.

  
  

• Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc writes in the condolence book. Screenshot.

  Writing in the condolence book, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc wrote:

• “Deeply mourning the passing of General Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!

  During his more than 40 years of working life, Comrade Tran Dai Quang was always dedicated, responsible, made efforts, overcame difficulties and hardships to excellently complete the tasks assigned by the Party, State and People. He made many contributions to the cause of innovation, construction and protection of the Fatherland. His passing is a great loss to our Party, State and People, leaving behind boundless grief that cannot be compensated for by his family, comrades, colleagues, friends and relatives.

  On behalf of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family of President Tran Dai Quang.

  Farewell, comrade Tran Dai Quang.

• Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed the condolence book.

  The presidential delegation visited. Photo:Giang Huy

  The PresidiumThe delegation led by Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh included former Vice Presidents Nguyen Thi Doan and Truong My Hoa; Head of the Office of the President Dao Viet Trung...

  Previously, on September 24, Ms. Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh wrote an article titled "Missing President Tran Dai Quang". The article read: "The past few days, the office has been filled with sadness, because we will miss you forever and cannot believe that you are gone forever and have really gone"...

  Acting President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh visits President Tran Dai Quang

  National Assembly DelegationThe delegation led by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan paid their respects to President Tran Dai Quang. The delegation's wreath bore the inscription "Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang".

  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan represented the delegation to offer incense.

  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan offers incense to pay tribute to President Tran Dai Quang. Photo:Giang Huy

  
  

• Delegation of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of VietnamThe delegation led by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visited President Tran Dai Quang.

• The delegation's wreath bears the inscription "Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang".

• General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong offered incense and the delegation walked around the coffin of President Tran Dai Quang.

  General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and the delegation shared the grief with the family.

• Government DelegationA delegation led by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid their respects to President Tran Dai Quang. The delegation's wreath bore the words "Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang".

  Government delegation visits President Tran Dai Quang. Photo:Giang Huy

• Family and relatives visit
  

  At the beginning of the funeral service, to the music of the Soul of the Dead, the President's family delegation led by his wife respectfully offered incense and flowers to the coffin.

  Family and relatives visit President Tran Dai Quang. Photo:Giang Huy

• Family members and relatives of President Tran Dai Quang lit incense and walked around the coffin. Many could not hold back their tears.

  Relatives of President Tran Dai Quang could not hold back tears at the funeral. Photo:Giang Huy

• At exactly 7:00 a.m., the funeral began. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh delivered a speech emphasizing the contributions of President Tran Dai Quang through his various responsibilities.

  "With more than 46 years of revolutionary activities, he devoted his whole life, made many contributions to the glorious revolutionary cause of the nation, and was awarded many noble medals from the state and internationally... His passing is a great loss to our Party, State and people."

  According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Vietnam decided to hold the funeral of President Tran Dai Quang with national mourning rites.

  The Deputy Prime Minister introduced the 37-member funeral committee for President Tran Dai Quang, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

  Portrait of President Tran Dai Quang. Photo:Giang Huy

The coffin of President Tran Dai Quang was placed in a solemn position in the National Funeral Hall. Above the stage was a black backdrop, the national flag with a mourning ribbon hung, and on the portrait of President Tran Dai Quang was the white inscription: "Deeply mourning comrade Tran Dai Quang, Politburo member, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam".

At exactly 7:00 a.m. on September 26, the funeral of comrade Tran Dai Quang was solemnly held at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi.

Relatives burn incense in memory of President Tran Dai Quang.

Image of the area in front of the funeral home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi

Perform the flag salute after being slowly pulled up with a black armband.

The work of tying the black ribbon to the national flag is underway.

Officers of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection Command carry mourning bands to tie to the national flag.

Photos at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi early this morning

The State funeral of President Tran Dai Quang was held on September 26 and 27, 2018.

The funeral of comrade Tran Dai Quang was held according to the State funeral protocol.

Comrade Tran Dai Quang's coffin lies at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi.

The funeral of comrade Tran Dai Quang begins at 7:00 a.m. on September 26, 2018, at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi.

The memorial service for comrade Tran Dai Quang will be held at 7:30 a.m. on September 27, 2018 at the National Funeral Home No. 5 Tran Thanh Tong, Hanoi. The burial ceremony will be held from 3:30 p.m. the same day at the President's hometown cemetery, Hamlet 13, Quang Thien Commune, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province.

At the same time, at the Reunification Hall of Ho Chi Minh City and at the People's Committee Hall of Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, the memorial service for comrade Tran Dai Quang was also held.

Vietnam Television and Voice of Vietnam will broadcast live the funeral, memorial service and burial ceremony of comrade Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province.

During the two days of National Mourning (September 26 and 27, 2018), all offices and public places will fly flags at half-mast and all entertainment activities will be suspended.