Representatives burnt incenses to pray for the soul of heroic martyrs. — VNA/VNS Photo Trịnh Bang Nhiệm

QUẢNG TRỊ — A requiem was held on Saturday on the southern bank of the historical Thạch Hãn River in the central province of Quảng Trị to pray for the souls of heroic martyrs.

The ceremony saw more than 3,000 Buddhist monks and nuns as well as a large number of people from localities across the country participate.

It was part of the activities to mark the 72nd Day of War Veterans and Martyrs (July 27).
Those taking part recalled the glorious feat of arms of during the national defence of Vietnamese people, including the 81-day-and-night fighting to safeguard the Quảng Trị ancient citadel, during which, more than 328,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped into the area by the US, killing dozens of thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and people.
At the ceremony, Hà Sỹ Đồng, Vice Chairman of the Quảng Trị People’s Committee underlined that those who laid down their life for the national independence and freedom will forever be remembered.
“We will exert every effort to make our homeland and the nation more prosperous to meet the expectation of the older generations and the martyrs,” stated Đồng. — VNS