Buddhists hold requiem for heroic martyrs in Dien Bien

Tens of thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns and followers attended the mass.

In his speech, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang was named the Supreme Patriarch of the Patronage Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, recalled the noble sacrifices of many officers, soldiers and young volunteers during the Dien Bien Phu campaign, culminating in the world’s resounding victory on May 7, 1954.

Thanks to their sacrifices, Vietnam has gained peace, independence, freedom, national unification and development today, he stressed.

To repay the heroic martyrs, the superior monk called on Buddhist monks, nuns and followers, as well as Vietnamese people to unite as one to protect the permanent independence for the country.

Tens of thousands of Buddhists respectfully offered incense to the graves of heroic martyrs and prayed for the dead.

Built in 1958 in Dien Bien Phu city, Martyrs Cemetery A1 is the resting place of 644 officers and soldiers who joined the Dien Bien Phu campaign and died during the fierce battle. Most of the graves are unknown, except for four heroic martyrs – To Vinh Dien, Phan Dinh Giot, Be Van Dan and Tran Can.

The cemetery serves as a historical witness reminding young generations to follow the example and remember the merits of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed to record the victory of Dien Bien Phu. It is a not-to-be missed destination for any tourist when they come to Dien Bien.