Member of the Central Party Committee and VNA General Director Nguyễn Đức Lợi presented savings books as gifts to invalids and martyrs’ families who are facing difficult circumstances. — VNA/VNS Photo Quý Trung

HÀ NỘI — The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) yesterday held a ceremony to honour revolutionary contributors who sacrificed their lives for national liberation.

The ceremony marked the 70th anniversary of the Day for Invalids and War Martyrs, which falls on July 27.

Speaking at the event, member of the Central Party Committee and VNA General Director Nguyễn Đức Lợi expressed his deep respect and gratitude toward mothers, fathers, wives and relatives of invalids and fallen soldiers who fought for the independence and freedom of the motherland as well as for the cause of the VNA.

The VNA General Director said that from the very beginning day of foundation on September 15, 1945, the agency vowed to be faithful to the Party and was attached to the revolutionary cause of people and country.

During the years of national liberation and construction, VNA reporters and staff served on all battlefields and fronts. They worked as pioneer journalists and fought as soldiers as well.

Over 260 VNA journalists had died in battles, while dozens of others left parts of their body in the battlefields during the war, according to the VNA official.

“This was really a great loss, but also a glorious tradition of the VNA-the first press agency awarded with two national heroic titles: the Hero of Armed Forces and Hero of Labour in the renovation,” Lợi said.

The VNA General Director stressed the agency always paid special attention to supporting invalids and martyrs’ families, regarding its as both a responsibility and an act of deep love.

On the occasion, the VNA leadership in HCM City and Đà Nẵng City presented 60 savings books totally worth VNĐ180 million (US$8,000) as gifts to invalids and martyrs’ families who are facing difficult circumstances.

Since 1995, the VNA has helped build 10 houses and donated 600 savings books worth about 1.5 billion to invalids’ and martyrs’ families.

The VNA’s fund for the Agent Orange victims had helped collect thousands of presents worth roughly VNĐ5 billion, including 110 wheelchairs and 50 houses to support invalids and martyrs across the country.  — VNS