The nationwide commemorative activity was conducted under the auspices of the Standing Board of the Executive Council of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS).
Alongside requiem ceremonies and other commemorative activities, the VBS has also mobilised monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers to visit veterans, and families of fallen soldiers, and people who rendered service to the revolution.
The VBS actively supports the 500-day campaign to accelerate the search for, recovery of, and identification of the remains of fallen soldiers.
Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council, stated “Gratitude is a fundamental teaching of Buddhism and also a cherished moral value of our nation.”
He added that for Buddhist monks, praying for the souls of fallen heroes to attain peace serves as a profound expression of gratitude towards those who sacrificed themselves for the country.
The spirit of remembrance resonated far beyond Buddhist temples. At memorials and martyrs’ cemeteries across the country, people from all walks of life paid tribute by lighting incense and candles at the graves of fallen soldiers.
Lieutenant General Hoang Khanh Hung, Chairman of the Viet Nam Association for Supporting Martyrs’ Families, said that the VBS’s initiative to have thousands of temples simultaneously sound three rounds of bells and drums embodied profound cultural and spiritual significance.
He emphasised that the harmonious blending of Buddhist tradition with the nation’s moral values reflects the spirit of great national unity and broad consensus in expressing gratitude to those who made sacrifices for the country.
The Viet Nam Association for Supporting Martyrs’ Families is currently collaborating with the VBS on a project to establish dedicated spaces for the worship of fallen soldiers at Buddhist temples and monasteries.
The initiative seeks to have Buddhist temples nationwide simultaneously light lamps, offer incense, and ring bells at 7 pm every July 27 in remembrance of the nation’s heroes and martyrs.
According to Most Venerable Thich Thanh Quyet, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council, the VBS has in recent years proactively partnered with recovery teams in the search for and identification of the remains of fallen soldiers.
It has also conducted grand requiem ceremonies for fallen heroes at historic sites, border areas, and remote islands.
