July 27: A day to be grateful – a life to move forward

(Chinhphu.vn) - July 27 - War Invalids and Martyrs Day - is an occasion for the entire Vietnamese nation to bow their heads in remembrance of those who have fallen and express deep gratitude to those who have sacrificed their blood and bones for the Fatherland, those who are living with the wounds of war and more broadly to all those who have contributed to the revolution.

July 27 – War Invalids and Martyrs Day – is an occasion for the entire Vietnamese nation to bow their heads in remembrance of those who have fallen and express deep gratitude to those who have sacrificed their blood and bones for the Fatherland.

This is not only a day of remembrance, but also a day of gratitude – gratitude to the martyrs who have incarnated into the bosom of Mother Earth, gratitude to the wounded who still live with the unforgettable memories of the battlefield, and gratitude to those who have silently contributed their strength and intelligence in the journey of national liberation, preserving independence and building the country.

General Secretary To Lam emotionally affirmed: "People with meritorious services to the revolution are precious assets of the nation, sacred symbols of patriotism and Vietnamese morality." This is not only a solemn recognition, but also a reminder to today's generation of a core morality: when a nation knows how to appreciate people with meritorious services, that nation still retains its soul and endogenous strength.

July 27 is therefore a day for the whole country to slow down, look deeply into history and listen to the call of responsibility. Because peace does not come naturally. Independence does not come naturally. The Fatherland today is a shape built from the blood and bones, from the struggles and sacrifices of millions of Vietnamese people.

General Secretary To Lam visits and presents gifts to war invalids and sick soldiers at Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center, Bac Ninh

Blood and bones have built the shape of the Fatherland.

Vietnam is a country built from life-and-death wars. Every inch of our homeland is soaked with the sweat, tears and blood of countless talented people. In the 20th century, more than 1.2 million martyrs died. Millions of wounded soldiers carry incurable injuries. And millions of families are forever without their loved ones.

There is no greater sacrifice than the sacrifice of one’s life. There is no deeper love for one’s country than the love expressed by being willing to sacrifice oneself for the nation’s eternal existence. It is they – the heroes who spared no blood, no youth – who have built the image of an independent and free Vietnam today.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the candle lighting ceremony to pay tribute to heroic martyrs on the evening of July 26 in Quang Tri, emphasized: "Our country is honored and proud to have given birth to heroic martyrs, and heroic martyrs have brought glory to our country."

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented portraits of martyrs to their families on the evening of July 26, at the candle-lighting ceremony to pay tribute to heroic martyrs - a national event to commemorate the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2025) - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

"When drinking water, remember its source" - The root of Vietnamese morality

In every great culture, the morality of gratitude is always the foundation for social morality. But in Vietnam, that spirit is not only a virtue, but also the soul of the nation. Since ancient times, our ancestors have taught: "When drinking water, remember the source", "When eating fruit, remember the person who planted the tree". That is not only a teaching, but a way of life.

Through fierce wars, that morality shines even brighter. The entire population participates in the "Repaying Gratitude" movements, taking care of families of war invalids, martyrs, and heroic Vietnamese mothers. The State has issued hundreds of preferential policies for people with meritorious services - demonstrating the sacred and enduring responsibility of a nation that never forgets its roots.

But what is even more precious is that this morality has entered the blood and flesh of the people, like a secular belief. No one is forced, but everyone naturally feels the need to be grateful. That is the spiritual strength that creates the Vietnamese character.

Gratitude – Not just remembering, but moving forward

Gratitude is not just an act of looking back. Gratitude is a continuation, a promise to the deceased: "We will not let your sacrifice be in vain."

We show gratitude by living more kindly and responsibly. We show gratitude by building a humane and fair society – where those who have contributed are not forgotten, where gratitude does not fade. We show gratitude by passing on faith to the next generations – that no matter how modern the country becomes, morality is still the root.

There are countless war invalids who, although they have lost a part of their body, have not lost their will. They continue to live and continue to contribute. Some become entrepreneurs, some become teachers, some return to their hometowns to enrich their villages. They are living symbols of the spirit of "disabled but not useless", an endless source of inspiration for future generations.

Live worthy of sacrifice

A day to be grateful. A lifetime to continue. That is not only a message, but also a promise of honor from the whole nation to those who have remained in the bosom of mother earth.

Please bow your heads to those who have fallen. Please bow to the wounded soldiers who still carry the heavy wounds of the past. And please tell each of us: let's live a kind life, a useful life, a life of understanding, sharing, loving and contributing, living responsibly because that is the best way to repay gratitude.

July 27, therefore, is not only a holiday but also a sacred reminder: when gratitude is still present, the nation will progress further. When morality is still bright, the country will be strong. When martyrs' cemeteries are still cared for, as sacred temples, the Fatherland will still have vitality, still have internal strength.

Dr. Nguyen Si Dung

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/ngay-27-7-mot-ngay-de-biet-on-mot-doi-de-tiep-buoc-102250727051847673.htm