Light the candles of gratitude

Every year, on important national holidays, especially on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), the Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery (NTLSQG) is lit up with tens of thousands of candles. Continuing that tradition, on the evening of July 26, the Central Youth Union Secretariat coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee to organize a candle lighting ceremony to pay tribute to the heroes and martyrs. This is the incense that today's generation sends to their fathers and brothers who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

Mrs. Ho Thi Phien was moved when receiving her husband's portrait - Photo: QH

Warming Immortal Hearts

In late July, people from all over the country gathered at the Truong Son National War Memorial. Under the shade of the Bodhi tree that hugs three sides of the “Fatherland’s Gratitude” memorial, veterans told each other stories about Lieutenant General Dong Si Nguyen and his comrades on the Truong Son trail.

50 years have passed since the construction of the Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery began, this sacred space has become the eternal resting place of more than 10 thousand martyrs. Each tombstone and incense burner is like a whisper from the past sent to today and the future.

Perhaps that is why Truong Son National Monument has become a destination for thousands of hearts. Returning from here, almost everyone wants to do something to show their gratitude to those who have left their mark on the monument and history. The candle lighting ceremony to honor heroes and martyrs is one of many beautiful activities born from that wish.

Although it has become an annual activity, widely held, the candle lighting ceremony at Truong Son National Memorial still has a very special meaning. This year, the program organized by the Central Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quang Tri province is even more meaningful when associated with charitable activities.

Many veterans, officials, and people traveled long distances to attend. Everyone wanted to personally light a candle in gratitude. Veteran Nguyen Van Son, residing in Viet Tri ward, Phu Tho province, said: “Despite my old age and weak health, I still go to Quang Tri every year to burn incense for my comrades. Knowing that my comrades always receive attention from leaders at all levels and people, I feel warm inside.”

The Fatherland does not forget

At exactly 7:30 p.m., the space of the Truong Son National Memorial seemed to be quiet. The bell rung by Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other leaders resounded far and wide, bringing everyone back to the land of memories.

In the past, from the call of the Fatherland, many young men and women "cut across Truong Son to save the country". Many people have forever laid down their lives so that the country could blossom with independence and bear the fruit of freedom... In this ceremony, on the front row, solemnly placed on the front row were the soldiers' mementos and chrysanthemums. They seemed to have returned. Candlelight was a smile.

Veteran Nguyen Van Son at his comrade's grave - Photo: QH

On behalf of the youth of the whole country, First Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the Youth Union Bui Quang Huy gave a profound speech expressing infinite gratitude to the heroes and martyrs: "...Vietnamese youth vow to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and brothers, living to fight, work, and study for a heroic, resilient, indomitable Vietnam in war, strongly innovating, rising up and steadily entering the new era...".

In the sacred atmosphere, the speech of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh touched people's hearts. The Prime Minister affirmed that our country is honored and proud to have given birth to heroes and martyrs. And heroes and martyrs have brought glory to our country. Therefore, every Vietnamese citizen must forever remember and be grateful to heroes and martyrs.

“Each candle lit tonight is not only a tribute to the past, but also a light to guide the way, connecting the past, present and future, a promise of today’s generation to live, fight, work and study worthy of the sacrifices of previous generations. That is the most meaningful tribute...”, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said.

That sharing, associated with the activities in the program, moved everyone. On this occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates presented 80 gifts to families with meritorious services. Representing thousands of projects and gratitude works of the youth nationwide in July 2025, at the program, the Skyline group presented 29 martyrs' portraits restored with AI technology to relatives.

With red eyes when receiving her husband's portrait, Mrs. Ho Thi Phien, wife of martyr Bui Xuan Hong, confided: "I know that even if he had the choice again, he would still follow the revolutionary path. Loving my husband, for many years I have stayed single to raise my sick child. The care of the Party, the State and everyone has somewhat eased my pain."

Images of soldiers from the past were recreated in the candle lighting ceremony to honor heroes and martyrs - Photo: QH

Light up the good

The Truong Son night gradually passed to its most sacred moment with the incense offering, flower offering and candle lighting ceremony. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the delegates put their hearts into each ceremony. The candles were lit to brighten up the “Fatherland’s Gratitude” memorial, spreading to each martyr’s grave.

Throughout the Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery, tens of thousands of small flames are glowing, creating a shimmering, magical “sea of candles”. At this time, that image is also present in more than 3,000 martyrs’ cemeteries and more than 4,000 other martyrs’ memorials across the country.

The last candles were lit... Everyone tried to stay a little longer...

Because they understand that the candle lighting ceremony is not simply a ritual but also a profound message about the morality of “When drinking water, remember its source”, about the responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen, especially the young generation, in preserving and promoting the good values that their ancestors shed their blood to regain. The shimmering light of tens of thousands of candles in the sacred space will forever remain in everyone’s mind, lighting up good things for today and tomorrow.

Quang Hiep

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/thap-sang-nhung-ngon-nen-tri-an-196298.htm