Monks, nuns and worshippers pray for the souls of the heroic martyrs. — VNA/VNS Photo An Hiếu

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has called on its affiliated organisations to actively participate in the nationwide 500-day campaign to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers, and organise activities to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and reunification.

In a document issued by the Standing Board of the VBS Executive Council on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27,2026), the Sangha urged its central committees and institutes, as well as its chapters in provinces and cities, to hold requiem ceremonies in memory of heroic martyrs and join efforts to support the nationwide campaign.

The document noted that gratitude and repaying kindness are fundamental teachings of Buddhism and longstanding values deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

The Sangha also encouraged its affiliates to coordinate with local authorities in conducting solemn spiritual ceremonies to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, and visit and present gifts to invalids, sick soldiers, families of martyrs and people who rendered meritorious service to the revolution, demonstrating the nation's enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance.

The Standing Board further requested the VBS chapters of provinces and cities to notify pagodas and Buddhist establishments nationwide to ring bells and Bát Nhã drums three times simultaneously at 5am on July 27, as a nationwide act of remembrance and tribute to the heroic martyrs. — VNA/VNS