Letter of Top leader To Lam on the occasion of the 79th Anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day

On the occasion of the 79th Anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, with profound reverence and boundless gratitude, I extend my warmest regards, deepest sentiments, and heartfelt appreciation to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Heroes of Labor, war invalids, sick veterans, relatives of martyrs, veterans, former People's Public Security officers, former youth volunteers, resistance fighters, and all those who have rendered meritorious service to the nation.

Throughout thousands of years of nation-building and defense, every inch of Vietnam’s land has been imbued with the sweat, blood, determination, and enduring aspirations of generations of descendants of Lac Hong. The Vietnamese people forever remember the merits, sacrifices, and contributions of our ancestors and predecessors; we respectfully commemorate the great President Ho Chi Minh, veteran revolutionaries, heroic martyrs, and the nation’s outstanding sons and daughters who dedicated their youth, personal happiness, parts of their bodies, and even their lives to the independence of the Fatherland, the freedom of the people, the noble ideals of the Party, and the enduring future of the nation.

For nearly a century under the glorious banner of the Communist Party of Vietnam, generations of comrades and compatriots have endured imprisonment, bombs, hardships, and sacrifices, steadfastly overcoming the most severe trials in our history. Some returned bearing wounds that accompanied them throughout their lives; others remained on battlefields, in forests, rivers, seas, or within the embrace of the motherland, and their final resting places have yet to be identified. Wherever they may be, they have become part of our beautiful homeland, shining stars that illuminate the path toward national independence, socialism, and the aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation. They are the strongest foundation stones upon which the fortress of the Vietnamese revolution was built, providing the basis for the achievements, strength, position, and international standing that our country enjoys today.

The sacrifices and contributions of previous generations have added glory to our national history and strengthened Vietnam’s courage, character, and resilience through every era. The blood of heroic martyrs has deepened the color of our national flag. The names of some martyrs are engraved on gravestones, while others remain unknown, but their spirit, valor, and honor will forever endure alongside the Vietnamese nation, living in the hearts of the people and shining throughout the country’s development journey.

War invalids, sick veterans, relatives of martyrs, and people who have rendered service to the nation will forever remain an inseparable and sacred part of our people and revolutionary cause. Gratitude is an enduring moral tradition of the Vietnamese nation; it is a political responsibility, a call from the heart, and a matter of honor for every Vietnamese citizen. The most meaningful way to honor those who devoted and sacrificed their lives is to continue safeguarding the achievements of the revolution and to build a peaceful, independent, democratic, strong, prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam firmly advancing toward socialism. This is the solemn pledge of today’s generation to those who came before us, ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions of our compatriots and comrades continue to shine in the sky of the Fatherland and guide the Vietnamese people into a new era of development.

On this occasion, I also warmly commend the officials, soldiers, veterans, experts, scientists, historical witnesses, authorities at all levels, localities, and compatriots across the country who are tirelessly engaged in searching for, recovering, and identifying the remains of martyrs. The “500-Day Campaign to Intensify the Search, Recovery, and Identification of Martyrs’ Remains” is a mission inspired by the heart, a peacetime march to find those who made peace possible, and a continuation of the national traditions of remembering the source of the water we drink and repaying those who served the nation. I thank people throughout the country and highly appreciate the sense of responsibility, dedication, and initial achievements of all forces participating in the campaign. I hope you will continue to uphold your determination, confidence, and sense of duty; overcome difficulties; and help bring more martyrs back to their hometowns, families, and comrades.

I call upon Party committees, authorities at all levels, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the business community, and the people to continue working together to turn gratitude into concrete support and preferential policies, with particular attention to vocational training, job creation, and sustainable income generation. These efforts will help war invalids, sick veterans, relatives of martyrs, and people with meritorious service continue improving their lives and contributing to their families and society.

I wish Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, heroes, war invalids, sick veterans, relatives of martyrs, veterans, people who have rendered service to the revolution, and their families good health and happiness. I also wish all officials, soldiers, participating forces, and citizens involved in the “500-Day Campaign” unity, resilience in overcoming challenges, and outstanding success in fulfilling their missions.

With warm regards,

TO LAM
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam