As the nation bids farewell to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, an overwhelming wave of grief and remembrance flows from over 40,000 messages in the electronic condolence book on VietNamNet.
The heartfelt tributes reflect the deep respect and admiration the Vietnamese people held for their beloved leader.From early morning, a long line of people stretched down Han Thuyen Street, Hanoi, waiting to pay their respects. Photo: N. Huyen
One reader, using the email address huongroby032@gmail.com, expressed her sincere feelings:
"I deeply apologize for not having been responsible and mindful in everyday life. Only when you passed away did I realize the nation's great loss! I lost my father at 3 and my mother at 6. For nearly 40 years, I've tried to forget that pain to build my own life. But now, the pain resurfaces a million times over because your passing is a loss for the entire Vietnamese people. Rest in peace! We, the people, will be more responsible so that you need not worry for the country in the afterlife."
Nguyen Thi Nu shared her admiration for the small details of General Secretary Trong's daily life:
"In recent days, watching footage of you - a man with a kind face, a warm and gentle voice, living a simple life, wearing the same checkered coat for many years, diligently working even on your sickbed... I couldn't hold back my tears. I feel so small and need to strive harder to be worthy of your immense contributions to our country. You will forever remain in our hearts."
Members of the Political Theory Faculty Youth Union, University of Economics, Da Nang City, spoke for the young generation:
"Before your spirit, we, the twenty-year-olds, the future of our Party, the 'pioneers' as you hoped, pledge to remember your teachings, transform our grief into strength, and dedicate ourselves to the lofty ideals of our Party and people. We aim to build a prosperous nation, elevate our country's potential and status, and develop ourselves to be both 'red' and 'expert' to live up to your legacy."
Reader Thu Thao reminisced: "On the evening news on July 19, 2024, my whole family cried when VTV announced your passing. I will always remember when you visited Thuy Van commune, Thai Binh province, my hometown, in 2014 to congratulate the local government for reaching the new rural milestone. You were so simple and close. Farewell, General Secretary."
Le Khanh Linh's message showed how close General Secretary Trong was to ordinary people: "Dear Grandpa Trong, may I call you Grandpa? Partly because you are the same age as my grandfather, but mostly because I am immensely grateful to you. You worked until your last breath. You were the leader I loved and respected the most, probably because of your kind face, your integrity, and your simple life. Every time I watched your videos, I cried, feeling as if I lost my own grandfather again!"
Many children patiently waited for hours with their parents to pay their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyen Hue
A reader at bopquygdmn.dhsp@gmail.com didn't forget to thank the General Secretary's wife: "We also want to thank Mr. Trong’s wife. Seeing your images today, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for being a strong support, allowing our country to have such a leader. We hope you and your family find the strength to overcome this immense sorrow."
Nguyen Thi Mau Don wrote emotionally: "The world feels gloomy since the 'light' has dimmed. Everything around, whether moving or still, carries a unique sorrow, a subtle melancholy, an indescribable choked feeling. Words of mourning and praise for your contributions seem insufficient. You lived your life for the nation, always placing the public interest above personal gain. And now, your simple promise to Mrs. Man (Mr. Trong’s wife) of moving the starfruit tree to a new home cannot be fulfilled."
Many VietNamNet readers sent their condolences in the form of poems, capturing the shared sentiment. Truonghuekv@gmail.com's verses resonate with many:
"Today, our hearts ache,
Mourning the departed, tears well up...
A brilliant mind shines bright,
Devoted life for the nation’s might,
A spirit gleams among the stars,
People thrive, no joy surpasses ours.
The grand vision of Truong Son peaks,
Following your legacy, our gratitude speaks.
Grieving your eternal departure,
Your absence, a boundless rapture."
Nguyen Ngoc Hung, a student in Taipei, Taiwan (China), shared his thoughts in the early morning hours: "We, the younger generation born and raised in a peaceful and developing country, are always grateful for the sacrifices of our predecessors. I deeply respect and love our Party and State leaders who have built a peaceful, stable Vietnam, providing us the chance to study and interact with international friends. Your departure leaves a profound sadness, and your image as a talented, humble, and upright General Secretary will never fade in our hearts - Taipei, 4:15am, July 26, 2024."
Reader Lo Phuong Chinh expressed that General Secretary Trong taught his the value of gratitude: "Once, while watching the news and hearing you speak, I changed significantly, awakening my gratitude for the peaceful life I had not previously pondered. You reminded me of my grandfather, appearing approachable and speaking plainly without formality. I often wondered why you hadn't retired to enjoy life with your grandchildren. It turns out, you dedicated your entire life to serving the nation. You fulfilled your vow of 'absolute loyalty to the Fatherland and the people' in the truest sense. Now, I hope Mrs. Man (Mr. Trong’s wife) will live long to witness a prosperous nation you greatly contributed to."
Ho Hoang Anh from Phu Tan, An Giang province, reflected: "It is sorrowful when you pass away. Though I never met you, through TV and newspapers, I saw you as a noble personality, a simple man, and a devoted revolutionary. Your anti-corruption efforts strengthened the Party, purified the regime, restored the State's credibility, along with an independent foreign policy of 'bamboo diplomacy,' ready to befriend other countries. These are what impressed me most about you."
Mr. Nguyen Trong Vinh (91 years old), the teacher who taught General Secretary Trong in 10th grade at Nguyen Gia Thieu School, was brought by his children and grandchildren to Lai Da Hamlet, Dong Anh District, Hanoi (Mr. Trong’s hometown) to pay their respects. Upon hearing of the General Secretary's passing, he immediately flew from Germany to Hanoi. Photo: Quang Phong
Nguyen Hai Son, stationed at the border, wrote: "I wanted to return to the capital for the memorial, but I couldn't because we are on full alert at the border, ready for any situation. Therefore, I asked my younger brother to represent our family to pay respects. I promise to always complete my duties, remain loyal to the Fatherland, and contribute my small part to the country's prosperity and sustainability. Rest assured in us, the younger generation!"
Many children sent touching messages to the electronic condolence book on VietNamNet:
"I am Nguyen Kim Thanh, a student of class 9A4, Giang Vo 2 Secondary School, Hanoi. Dear Grandpa Trong, when I heard the news at 1:38pm on July 19, 2024, that you had taken your last breath, my heart ached, filled with sorrow and pride for a talented, exemplary, and loyal leader of our Party, State, and people. Thank you for teaching our generation that 'The youth must be strong for the nation to be strong.'
Rest in peace, Grandpa! I promise to always strive to be a good student, to dedicate myself to our country, to learn and grow, and to be a useful citizen, living up to the efforts of our predecessors."
Minh Nguyet shared her joy and sorrow with General Secretary Trong: "I regularly follow the news about you. You showed us the importance of creating good values in life. I recently received a scholarship to study abroad for my master's degree. During the day, I am busy with admission procedures, and at night, I watch documentaries about your noble and simple life, and I cried so much that my eyes got inflamed.
You have gone to eternity, and I hope you rest in peace. We, the younger generation, will always strive to build our country. I will strive to complete my study and work goals, to benefit myself, my family, and society. I will study abroad, accumulate knowledge and experience, and then return to contribute to the development of Vietnamese cultural identity in architecture. Rest well, and trust in us, the younger generation. I miss you deeply!"
According to the organizers, on July 25, more than 40,000 people paid their respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in his hometown, Lai Da Hamlet, Dong Anh District, Hanoi. Photo: Hoang Hiep
Witnessing the endless line of mourners, Nguyen Trong Khanh wrote: "As a child of Vietnam, born and raised in the era of renewal, witnessing the country's transformation, I deeply admire and respect your dedicated service to the Fatherland and the people. When I heard of your passing, I felt a profound loss, as if losing a loved one.
Seeing the endless line of people paying their respects, I understand that your tireless efforts for the peace and prosperity of our country are repaid with the deep affection of the people, an unparalleled gift from the nation. May you rest in eternal peace, watching over our beloved Vietnam, always peaceful and developing. Farewell, General Secretary."
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