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 National Assembly 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.

Included in the "Festival" ProgramDrink water remember the source"The Candle Lighting Ceremony and Incense Offering Ceremony express deep gratitude to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for national liberation, building and defending the Fatherland and the noble international duty, affirming the morality of "Repaying gratitude" of the Vietnamese people.

At the ceremony, the leader of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Anh Son commune read the "Funeral oration for Vietnamese and 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 tribes.

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

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

The festival “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.

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.

Some photos at the candle lighting ceremony at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery: