Vietnam Summer Camp 2025: A moment of silent reverence on the sacred ground of Quang Tri
WVR - On 21 July, in Quang Tri province, the delegation of young overseas Vietnamese participating in Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 held incense and flower offering ceremonies at Quang Tri Citadel and Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery to mark the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (27 July 1947 – 27 July 2025).
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| The delegation of young overseas Vietnamese participating in Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 offers incense and flowers at Quang Tri Citadel. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation, led by Mr Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, offered incense at Quang Tri Citadel to pay tribute to national heroes and martyrs. Accompanying the delegation were Ms Ngo Thi Thanh Mai, Vice Chairwoman of the Committee; Mr Thai Huu Lieu, Deputy Director of Quang Tri Department of Foreign Affairs; and 110 outstanding overseas Vietnamese youth delegates from 31 countries and territories.
In solemn remembrance of the heroic martyrs, the delegation laid wreaths and offered incense, expressing profound gratitude to those who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom.
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| Vietnam Summer Camp 2025: Overseas Vietnamese delegates offer incense in remembrance of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Quang Tri. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
During the fierce 81-day battle in 1972, thousands of liberation soldiers and Quang Tri residents courageously resisted, many of whom laid down their lives and now rest eternally on this land. Their blood soaked into the earth, contributing to the independence, freedom and happiness that generations today enjoy.
Following the incense offering ceremony, the delegation met with, expressed gratitude to and presented gifts to 34 war veterans of Quang Tri province.
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| The Vietnam Summer Camp delegation meets and presents gifts to 34 war veterans of Quang Tri province on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking at the gathering, Mr Nguyen Trung Kien expressed his heartfelt thanks and deep respect for the sacrifices and contributions of the veterans. He emphasised that the visit to Quang Tri Citadel was a meaningful activity, helping the younger generation of overseas Vietnamese to connect with their roots and honour those who fought for national independence, freedom and happiness.
On behalf of the delegation, Mr Kien extended his sincere thanks and best wishes for health, peace and happiness to the 34 veterans of Quang Tri.
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| Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, Nguyen Trung Kien, delivers remarks at the meeting and gift presentation ceremony. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
As a gesture of the traditional Vietnamese value of “when drinking water, remember its source”, the delegation raised a total of 100 million VND to support the veterans. Although the monetary value may not be large, this act of gratitude carried great emotional significance, reinforcing national pride and strengthening the bond between young overseas Vietnamese and the homeland’s history. The contributions came from various delegations: the Czech Republic contributed 20 million VND, Poland 26 million VND, the Federal Republic of Germany 17 million VND, the Russian Federation 15 million VND, Mr Do Viet Hoang from Hungary contributed 10 million VND and the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation donated 12 million VND.
Speaking with the veterans, Do Hoang Yen, a young participant from Japan, shared: "This is the first time I’ve heard first-hand accounts of the 81-day battle at Quang Tri Citadel. Listening to the veterans’ stories, I truly felt the brutality of war. In just 81 days, this beautiful land endured over 300,000 tonnes of bombs and shells. Nearly 60,000 soldiers fell and are buried here. After the conversation, I now feel an even deeper appreciation for the value of peace, independence, and freedom ”.
Later that day, the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation visited Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery to lay flowers and offer incense.
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| The Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation visited Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery to lay flowers and offer incense.(Photo: Thanh Long) |
In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, the delegation paid deep tribute to the heroic souls who courageously sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation and reunification. Their sacrifices have written glorious and indomitable chapters in the history of Vietnam.
Speaking to The World & Vietnam Report, Mr Nguyen Trung Kien noted that the Quang Tri Citadel and Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery are significant historical sites that bear witness to the nation’s painful yet proud past. These are also among the largest war cemeteries in the country.
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| Young overseas Vietnamese light incense at the graves of martyrs whose names are not known yet.. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
He expressed his hope that through these memorial activities, young overseas Vietnamese would gain a deeper understanding of the immense sacrifices made by their forefathers during the struggles for independence and national defence.
“We hope the young overseas Vietnamese will truly grasp that every moment of peace we live in today has been earned by the sacrifices of generations before us. In particular, when visiting the area of unnamed martyrs, they will feel the stark reality: along the historic Truong Son trail, more than 20,000 outstanding individuals gave their lives and more than half of them remain unidentified”, Mr Nguyen Trung Kien said emotionally.
The World & Vietnam Report continues to cover the journey of Vietnam Summer Camp 2025, organised by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
