A memorial and requiem service for fallen soldiers, military personnel and patriotic civilians was held at Le Thi Rieng Park on June 14, drawing veterans, Buddhist leaders, local officials and residents in a solemn tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

In an atmosphere of reverence, Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon joined Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Nguyen Duy Tan, Deputy Director of the city's Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, and other delegates in offering incense to honour heroes, martyrs, soldiers and patriotic citizens who gave their lives for the country's independence and freedom.

The event was part of a series of activities commemorating the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day and followed ongoing efforts by the city to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers.

Le Thi Rieng Park is currently the focus of investigations into a suspected mass grave believed to contain the remains of approximately 900 soldiers who died during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

A tribute rooted in gratitude

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and head of the Ho Chi Minh City Buddhist Sangha, said the ceremony was organised in the spirit of gratitude and remembrance, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of honouring those who came before.

According to the senior monk, generations of Vietnamese people sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom, making today's peace possible.

He said the memorial and requiem service was not only intended to pray for the souls of the fallen but also to educate younger generations about patriotism, gratitude and national responsibility.

Most Venerable Thich Le Trang added that the Buddhist Sangha has consistently worked alongside city authorities in efforts to locate, recover and identify the remains of martyrs. He expressed hope that scientific advances, particularly DNA testing, would help reunite fallen soldiers with their families after decades of waiting.

Having spent many years studying and practising at Dinh Thanh Pagoda, located near the former Do Thanh Cemetery, he has participated in numerous spiritual ceremonies in the area and provided information that has helped authorities reconstruct the historical landscape and narrow down potential locations of wartime mass graves.

A veteran's enduring sorrow

Among those attending the ceremony was veteran Phan Xuan Hoai from Thu Duc Ward, who became emotional while recalling fallen comrades and relatives lost during the war.

Hoai said members of his own family died during the conflict, yet their remains have never been found.

He enlisted in 1972 and served in the Binh-Tri-Thien battlefield before later undertaking support duties for operations in Laos. The search for and recovery of missing soldiers has remained a deeply personal concern throughout his life.

"This is not the story of any one family," he said. "The entire nation remembers the sacrifices of our heroes and martyrs. Without those sacrifices, we would not have the peaceful and developing country we enjoy today."

Continuing the journey home

Organisers said the memorial service carried significance beyond its religious dimension. It served as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made during wartime while reinforcing Vietnam's enduring tradition of gratitude toward those who gave their lives for the nation.

As efforts continue to locate and identify missing remains, the ceremony also renewed hopes that many fallen soldiers may one day be reunited with their families after decades of uncertainty.

Nguyen Hue - Phuoc Sang