(VOVworld) - After leaving the National Funeral House, the motorcade carrying General Giap’s coffin traveled through 12 main streets in Hanoi before heading to Noi Bai International Airport.
People filled both sidewalks of Trang Tien Street, paying their last respects to General Vo Nguyen Giap.
Since early morning, Hanoi’s people from all walks of life and those from neighboring provinces stood in line orderly along the streets. Many brought along portraits of President Ho Chi Minh and General Giap with the national flag and flowers to bid farewell to the General. When the motorcade passed any streets, many clasped their hands to pay their last tribute to the General. Some could not hold back their tears.
The motorcade traveled across historic Ba Dinh Square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and stopped at his house at 30 Hoang Dieu Street for a solemn Buddhist ritual. Buddhists gathered at the opposite sidewalk to pray for him. Pham Van Lam if Ba Dinh district burst into tears as if one of his relatives is gone.
“Like other millions of Vietnamese people, I come here to pay my last tribute to him as I admire and love uncle Giap. In my life, I had a chance to meet him and took a photo with the General. This would be my unforgettable memory. I pray for the salvation of his soul and may he bless the nation to become more prosperous.”
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| People crowded the road and flyover when the convoy was entering Pham Van Dong road |
At the cross roads of Nguyen Chi Thanh-Kim Ma and Cau Giay, south of Hanoi, crowds of Hanoi’s residents stood along both sides of the streets. Many of them were older people and children who were at attention when the motorcade passed the section. Tears, emotional voice, sorrow followed the convoy until it went away.
Nguyen Van An, a veteran, met General Giap during the American resistance war at Southern Lao Road No 9. He was moved to say.
“I paid tribute to General Giap in Hanoi twice. I feel like I lost a soldier, a grandfather, an elder brother who was very simple in daily life and during struggles.”
Young volunteers were present in all streets where the motorcade carrying General Giap’s coffin passed
Volunteers were mobilised to ensure safety and order outside the funeral house.
through. Since the General passed away, more than 6,000 volunteer youths were mobilized to help and instruct people to pay tribute to him. Le Quynh Chi is one of them.
“I really admire and respect the talented General. All come here to show their gratitude to the special figure. We’re honored to make his funeral complete.”
The flight coded VN103 took off at 11.26 carrying the excellent person of the Vietnamese nation to his home province of Quang Binh leaving much regret and respect in Hanoians.