Honouring the sacrifice of nearly 1,800 Martyrs for Vietnamese–Lao–Cambodian independence in Gia Lai

WVR - On July 16, in Pleiku Ward, Gia Lai Province, a press conference was held for the program commemorating the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national liberation and defense, on the occasion of the 78th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).
Honoring the Sacrifice of Nearly 1,800 Martyrs for Vietnamese–Lao–Cambodian Independence in Gia Lai
Honouring the sacrifice of nearly 1,800 Martyrs for Vietnamese–Lao–Cambodian independence in Gia Lai: Mr. Le Xuan Trong, Head of the Mobilization Committee of the Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Union of Former Volunteer Soldiers and Military Experts, Head of the Organizing Committee, delivers a speech. (Source: Organizing Committee)

The event was organized by the Mobilization Committee of the Union of the former Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia Volunteer Soldiers and Military Experts, in coordination with the Traditional Liaison Board of Regiment 29 (Division 307, Military Region 5), Regiments 866 and 968 (Division 31, Corps 34), and Word of Life Group.

Attending the event were Mr. Le Xuan Trong, Head of the Mobilization Committee of the Union of the former Vietnam–Laos–Cambodia Volunteer Soldiers and Military Experts and Head of the Organizing committee, along with representatives of the liaison boards of the regiments.

During the press conference, participants recalled the glorious and heroic history of Regiment 29. The regiment was established on November 8, 1971, in Savannakhet Province (Laos), under Division 968 (High Command of Group 559). Its primary mission was to coordinate with engineering, air defense, and transport units to mobilize and fight, protecting strategic transport routes from the rear bases in North Vietnam through Central Laos into the Central Highlands and the South. On July 30, 1978, the Ministry of Defense established Division 307, and Regiment 29 was incorporated into this division to participate in defending the Vietnam–Cambodia border.

In the panel discussion titled 'From History to Responsibility,' attendees listened to many emotional and heartfelt stories from war veterans—the living witnesses of history—and gained deeper insight into the heroic memories of wartime.

Honoring the Sacrifice of Nearly 1,800 Martyrs for Vietnamese–Lao–Cambodian Independence in Gia Lai
Honouring the sacrifice of nearly 1,800 Martyrs for Vietnamese–Lao–Cambodian independence in Gia Lai: Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Source: Organizing Board)

Mr. Huynh Van Tuyen (65 years old, from Ia Hrung Commune, Gia Lai Province) shared:"Every year when July 27 arrives, I feel deeply moved. Though the war has receded into the past, the memories of fallen comrades never fade. They passed away so young, carrying many unfulfilled dreams. This commemorative program for heroes and martyrs who gave their lives for the national liberation and defense is truly meaningful."Moved by the stories shared during the press conference, Ms. Trinh Thi Mai, Market Development Director at Word of Life Group, expressed: "I was born after peace was restored, but I’ve always understood that the tranquility we enjoy today was at the expense of the blood and sacrifice of those before us. As someone born in peacetime, I know it is my responsibility not only to remember their sacrifice but to live in a way that honors it. Every act of kindness and every small contribution to society today is my way of paying tribute to those who laid down their lives."

The memorial ceremony honoring the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will take place on July 22 at Duc Co Martyrs’ Cemetery (Duc Co Commune, Gia Lai Province). The event aims to commemorate and pay tribute to nearly 1,800 fallen soldiers buried at the cemetery, including 1,400 Vietnamese experts and volunteer soldiers who passed away in Cambodia during the struggle for national liberation and international duty.

As part of the program, several commemorative activities will be held, including incense and flower offerings, candle lighting, and a memorial art performance.

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