VietNamNet Bridge – Orchids grown by late Lieutenant Colonel Khuat Manh Tri, who was killed when his military aircraft crashed in July, were auctioned on Sunday for more than VND400 million (US$17,300).

Orchids grown by late Lieutenant Colonel Khuat Manh Tri, who was killed in a military aircraft crash, were auctioned to raise funds for his children. — Photo dantri.com.vn

The money was handed over to his family to fund the education of his two children.

The 32 orchids include various types, including lan phi điệp (dendrobium Anosmum) and hạc vỹ (Dendrobium Aphyllum).

The late colonel had a passion for orchids and grew various types. After the accident, Tri’s family asked his colleagues in the Việt Nam Air Force’s Regiment 921 to take care of the orchid garden for him.

As Regiment 921 will move from its current location in Soc Son District, Hanoi to Yen Bai Province, Tri’s colleagues decided to auction the orchids so that the image of the late colonel and his beautiful flowers will live on in the memories of his family and friends.

The auction took place at 8am on October 14 in Mai Dinh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi. It attracted the participation of many people including Tri’s family, friends and colleagues.

Attending the auction, Pham Xuan Tin, from the Sóc Sơn Orchid Lovers Union, expressed his thanks to local authorities, organisations and individuals who helped make the auction a success.

Tri was among two pilots killed in the aircraft accident, along with the Colonel Pham Giang Nam. The Su-22U aircraft crashed in the central province of Nghe An on July 26. 

Source: VNS