Thousands of people including nearly 100 former prisoners of Phu Quoc island prison, gathered in front of the Phu Quoc Martyr Cemetery on October 19 to attend a requiem for martyrs, and heroes who sacrificed their lives in two resistance wars.

Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Executive Council said that the requiem aims to commemorate martyrs and highlight their undauntedness and loyalty to the Party, State and people.

In the resistance wars against the French colonialists and US imperialists, more than 40,000 revolutionary soldiers were detained on Phu Quoc Island. Of the figure, 4,000 died from brutal torture by the enemies.

On the occasion, donors granted 670 gifts to martyr families on Phu Quoc Island.  A memorial service will be held on October 20 for 127 revolutionary martyrs whose remains have been rediscovered.