Society

A season of flowers of gratitude at the cemetery named after two countries.

Diep Thanh • July 25, 2026 16:48

These days, people from all over the country flock to the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery. Amidst the crowds, the Champa flower – the symbolic flower of Laos, where these young men left their lives – also spreads its fragrance as a tribute.

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh8 — The Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs Cemetery is the only cemetery in the country named after two nations. Built in 1976, it is the resting place of nearly 11,000 Vietnamese officers, soldiers, experts, and volunteers who fell in Laos. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh18 — These days, people from all over the country flock to the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery to pay tribute to the heroes who fell for national independence and the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh0 — The Champa flower (the national flower of Laos) is widely planted at the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery. In July, the white blossoms bloom against a backdrop of lush green leaves, spreading a subtle fragrance along the pathways. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh2 — At the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery, there are still nearly 7,000 graves bearing the inscription "Unknown Name"; for more than 400 martyrs, information is available but their hometowns are still missing, preventing relatives from finding them. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh3 — The pristine white petals are like a silent tribute from the two nations to those who sacrificed their lives to cultivate a loyal and unwavering friendship. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh1 — To maintain such a clean and lush green environment, with blossoming flowers, the cemetery caretakers look after the space as if the heroes resting here were their own family. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh11 — The pond in front of the cemetery is regularly cleaned and planted with water lilies to enhance the landscape. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh14 — Besides the Champa flower, many other flower species are also planted around the grounds of the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh10 — Each grave at the Vietnam-Laos International Martyrs' Cemetery is adorned with two flags and vibrant lotus flowers. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh17 — Many wreaths of gratitude were laid in honor of the fallen heroes. Photo: Diep Thanh

Trong dòng người về tri ân có nhiều người dân từ mọi miền tổ quốc. Trong ảnh là ông Vũ Xuân Luận (quê Phú Thọ) - con trai duy nhất của liệt sĩ Vũ Xuân Lý. Gia đình ông Vũ Xuân Luận biết nơi cha yên nghỉ từ năm 2002. Hai mươi mấy năm qua, dù tuổi đã cao nhưng tháng 7 nào ông cũng về thăm bố. Ảnh: Diệp Thanh — Among the crowds paying their respects were many people from all over the country. Pictured is Mr. Vu Xuan Luan (from Phu Tho province) - the only son of martyr Vu Xuan Ly. Mr. Vu Xuan Luan's family has known where his father rests since 2002. For over twenty years, despite his advanced age, he has visited his father every July. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh6 — Many agencies and organizations are holding gratitude trips during the month of July. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh7 — The journey of gratitude is being continued by the younger generation, like threads of memory that have never been broken. Photo: Diep Thanh

nghĩa trang quốc tế Việt Lào Ảnh Diệp Thanh12 — The heroic martyrs fell so that flowers could bloom in peace. Photo: Diep Thanh

Diep Thanh