Delegates attend the national-level candle-lighting ceremony to honor fallen heroes, marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27). VNA/VNS Photo

NGHỆ AN — Thousands of candles illuminated the Việt Nam–Laos Martyrs' Cemetery in the central province of Nghệ An on the evening of July 26 as Việt Nam held its national tribute to fallen heroes, marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026).

The ceremony was attended by Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Vice State President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân, leaders of central agencies and Nghệ An province, representatives of the Lao Embassy in Việt Nam, and youth delegates from Lao provinces.

Speaking at the event, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee Bùi Quang Huy described Việt Nam's history as a testament to patriotism, the pursuit of independence and the aspiration for peace. He paid tribute to the millions of Vietnamese who devoted their youth and sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom.

He said today's young generation continues that legacy through practical acts of remembrance, including supporting families of national contributors, maintaining martyrs' cemeteries, restoring portraits of fallen soldiers, digitising historical records and implementing community welfare initiatives.

Delegates, youth volunteers and local residents offered flowers and incense, observed a minute of silence and lit candles at every grave in a solemn tribute to the fallen.

The organising committee also presented 79 gifts to war invalids, sick veterans and families of people with meritorious service to the nation. The Skyline youth group donated digital restoration technology for 100 portraits of fallen soldiers.

The Việt Nam–Laos Martyrs' Cemetery is the resting place of nearly 11,000 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and military experts who lost their lives while serving in Laos. It stands not only as a memorial to their sacrifice but also as an enduring symbol of the special solidarity forged between Việt Nam and Laos.

The national ceremony coincided with candle-lighting events held simultaneously by Youth Union organisations across the country at martyrs' cemeteries, memorials and other sites honouring fallen soldiers.

This year's commemorations carried added significance at cemeteries that recently received and reinterred the remains of martyrs recovered through the 500-day campaign to accelerate the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains, marking an emotional homecoming for those who had long been missing.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee organised a series of commemorative activities in Nghệ An, including visits to the Kim Liên Special National Relic Site and the Trường Bồn Historical Site, along with a review conference held under the theme Stories from the years of fire. — VNA/VNS