Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyễn Đắc Thành speaks at a grand requiem ceremony at Phổ Đà Pagoda in Berlin on Sunday. VNA/VNS Photo

BERLIN — The Vietnamese Women's Union in Germany and Phổ Đà Pagoda in Berlin held a grand requiem ceremony at the religious establishment on Sunday in memory of fallen heroes, alongside a tribute programme for relatives of martyrs living in Germany.

The event marked the 79th anniversary of Việt Nam's War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947–2026).

In her opening speech, Trịnh Thị Mùi, President of the union, paid tribute to the immense sacrifices made by previous generations, whose devotion helped secure the peaceful, reunified and prosperous Việt Nam of today.

She said that July 27 is not only a day of remembrance but also an occasion for Vietnamese people, whether at home or abroad, to reconnect with their roots and express their profound gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to the nation.

Mùi stressed that living far from the homeland has never diminished the expat community's love for the country or its appreciation of earlier generations. For that reason, she said, the union has consistently regarded humanitarian work, charitable activities and programmes honouring those who served the nation as key priorities, helping preserve Việt Nam's cultural identity, strengthen solidarity within the overseas community and instil patriotism in younger generations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyễn Đắc Thành described the event as a meaningful response to the appeal by the Party Central Committee and the Central Committee of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front to continue caring for war invalids, sick and wounded soldiers, relatives of martyrs and those who rendered distinguished service to the revolution.

The ambassador noted that many Vietnamese families in Berlin and across Germany continue to preserve stories, memories and examples of revolutionary heroism, as well as the tremendous sacrifices that contributed to the peace, international standing and prestige that Vietnam enjoys today.

He added that the Vietnamese community in Germany has been closely following the 500-day-and-night campaign currently underway in Việt Nam to accelerate the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers' remains. The diplomat also commended the tribute activities and visits to families of national contributors organised by the women’s union and other Vietnamese associations in recent years.

As part of the programme, relatives of martyrs living in Germany shared personal accounts of their loved ones' sacrifices, wartime memories and their journeys of overcoming loss, leaving many participants deeply moved.

The union also presented commemorative tokens of appreciation to relatives of martyrs residing in the European country. The programme was interspersed with cultural performances by members of the Vietnamese community celebrating the homeland, peace and gratitude. — VNA/VNS