My Lai massacre victims commemorated in central Vietnam
VOV.VN - The central province of Quang Ngai hosted a ceremony on March 16 to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the infamous My Lai massacre at the Son My relic site where 504 innocent civilians were killed by US troops.
Representatives from local authorities, residents, and relatives of victims offered incense in front of the Son My monument in My Lai village of Tinh Khe commune to pray for the deceased.
Billy Kelly, a US war veteran who fought in Vietnam, sent 504 roses to the ceremony this year as offerings to the 504 civilians killed during the US run operation.
Many families also held death anniversaries for their relatives who were massacred 54 years ago. Among them was Pham Thi An, a 78 year-old resident of the village, whose husband was killed together with other villagers.
An said that she and her daughter were lucky to survive the horrific event, and that she and her relatives hold an annual ceremony in order to pray for those who passed away.
The My Lai massacre took place 54 years ago when US troops shot and killed 504 villagers, including women, children, and elderly people, in My Lai village.
The massacre came to light after photojournalist Ronald Haeberle published a series of photos depicting the incident. My Lai has since become a symbol for denouncing war crimes.
