Activities to commemorate heroic martyrs held nationwide

The Vietnam Red Cross Society on July 20 started construction of “Red-Cross houses” for disadvantaged veterans in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang who fought in the Vi Xuyen battle between 1979 and 1989. The houses were built at a total cost of over VND4 billion (US$174,000) raised with support of former President Truong Tan Sang.

Furthermore, 80 families of Vi Xuyen battle veterans will receive VND60 million each to repair their houses.

At the event, Thao Hong Son, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Ha Giang and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council asked local authorities to take care of living conditions of those who have made contribution to the country and their families.

On the evening of the same day, a lantern floating festival was held in the central province of Quang Tri, with the participation of martyrs’ family members, tourists and local residents. More than 15,000 lanterns were lightened up on the province’s Thach Han river.

On the occasion, organisers of the festival also presented 32 houses of gratitude worth VND50 million (US$2,170) each to families of policy beneficiaries and gift sets to two Heroic Mothers in the province.

Meanwhile, the central city of Da Nang has offered presents worth nearly VND11 billion (US$478,500) to local people who rendered services to the nation.

In the south central province of Ninh Thuan, 10 houses were presented to disadvantaged war veterans in Phan Rang - Thap Cham city. Families of the veterans also received VND5 million.

Ninh Thuan is home to 302 poor war soldiers, accounting for 4.78 percent of total number of veterans in the province. Eighty of them are living in dilapidated houses, according to Chairman of the provincial Association of War Veterans Nguyen Van Thuan.