Activities to mark Vietnam War Invalids and Martyrs' Day are taking place nationwide. (illustrative photo)

The requiem honored the merits of soldiers and ordinary people, who died for national peace, independence, freedom, and unification. The event also showed the harmony of secular life and religion.

Venerable Thich Thanh Hai, Vice President of the Cao Bang Buddhist Sangha's Executive Board, addressed the requiem: “Vietnam War Invalids and Martyrs' Day on July 27^th is a chance for people to pay gratitude to fallen soldiers who died for national independence and freedom. The Buddhist Sangha of Cao Bang province hopes that Buddhist followers nationwide together pray for the souls of fallen soldiers to rest in peace. It illustrates the national tradition and Buddhist teaching of remembering the source of the water we drink.”

At Phuc Hoa cemetery and Chuc Lam Ta Lung pagoda, Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers lit candles to pay gratitude to war heroes and martyrs and pray for national peace. Tran Thuy Huong who lives in Cao Bang province, said: “War Invalids and Martyrs' Day is an important day to honor the sacrifice of heroic martyrs for peace and national eternity. Every year on this occasion, we wholeheartedly expressed our deep gratitude for them.”