Solemn candle lighting ceremony at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery

Attending the ceremony were comrade Nguyen Xuan Son - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; leaders of provincial departments, branches and sectors; leaders of Anh Son district and localities, relatives of martyrs and local people.

Scene of the candle lighting ceremony at the Vietnam - Laos International Martyrs Cemetery. Photo: Huy Thu

As part of the program "Drinking water, remembering its source", the Candle Lighting Ceremony and Incense Offering Ceremony express deep gratitude to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the cause of national liberation, building and defending the Fatherland and noble international duty, affirming the morality of "Repaying gratitude" of the Vietnamese people.

Comrade Nguyen Xuan Son - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council and leaders of Anh Son district offered incense to open the ceremony. Photo: Huy Thu

At the ceremony, comrade Dang Xuan Quang - Standing Deputy Secretary of Anh Son District Party Committee read the "Funeral Oration for Vietnamese - 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, helping the Lao ethnic groups.

Youth Union members of Anh Son district offer candles to pay tribute to heroes and martyrs. Photo: Huy Thu

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.

Comrade Dang Xuan Quang - Standing Deputy Secretary of Anh Son District Party Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Festival "Drinking water, remembering its source" read the eulogy for the souls of heroes and martyrs. Photo: Huy Thu

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

Leaders of Anh Son district offer incense to commemorate heroes and martyrs. Photo: Huy Thu

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

At the ceremony, nearly 11,000 candles were lit in front of the graves. Photo: Huy Thu