Quang Ngai commemorates victims of Son My massacre

The Son My massacre is a harrowing symbol of the brutality inflicted upon the people of Quang Ngai and Vietnam during their struggle for national independence and reunification.

Quang Ngai residents offer incense in commemoration of the victims of Son My massacre. (PhotoL: VNA)
Quang Ngai residents offer incense in commemoration of the victims of Son My massacre. (PhotoL: VNA)

Quang Ngai (VNA) – A solemn incense offering ceremony was held at the Son My Memorial Site in Tinh Khe commune, Quang Ngai city, in the central province of Quang Ngai, to mark the 57th anniversary of the tragic massacre of 504 civilians in Son My (March 16, 1968 – 2025).

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, described the Son My massacre as a harrowing symbol of the brutality inflicted upon the people of Quang Ngai and Vietnam during their struggle for national independence and reunification. The memory of Son My continues to evoke profound sorrow and remains an unhealed wound for the people of Quang Ngai, the Vietnamese nation, and peace-loving individuals around the world, he said.

"We must leave the past behind and move toward the future, building friendships with countries and nations that share the aspiration for peace and progress. This is the way of life and a principle deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese people, including the survivors of Son My, who still bear the physical and emotional scars of war," he emphasised.

vna-potal-quang-ngai-dang-huong-tuong-niem-57-nam-ngay-504-thuong-dan-son-my-bi-tham-sat-7915538.jpg
American veteran Roy Mike Boehm plays violin in tribute to Son My massacre victims. (Photo: VNA)

As five solemn bell chimes echoed through the memorial site, provincial leaders, officials, and local residents gathered to offer incense and flowers in remembrance of the 504 lives lost.

Fifty-seven years ago, in a single morning, 504 innocent villagers—mostly elderly, women, and children—were brutally killed. The massacre left 247 homes in ruins, thousands of livestock slaughtered, and entire food supplies and crops destroyed. The horror of that day remains etched in history, serving as a lasting reminder of the cost of war and the enduring call for peace./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Ninh Thuan ramps up efforts to eradicate substandard housing

Ninh Thuan will intensify awareness campaigns and launch a 90-day push from April to June 2025 to mobilise further resources. By adopting a flexible approach in utilising funds, the province is determined to achieve its goal of ensuring safe and stable housing for all vulnerable residents./.

A new house has been built for needy households (Photo: VNA)

Tien Giang steps up efforts to eliminate substandard houses

According to the Tien Giang People’s Committee, 485 homes for policy beneficiaries, families of war martyrs, and low-income households will be supported. Of these, 284 new homes will be built, and 201 existing ones repaired, with a total budget of 24.1 billion VND (about 984,000 USD). As of March 6, construction had started on 166 houses, with 32 already completed.

Bac Giang's police officers support the removal of temporary and dilapidated houses for poor and near-poor households in the province. (Photo: VNA)

Bac Giang to eliminate substandard houses by November

Local authorities have identified 795 homes of poor and near-poor households and individuals with recognised service to the nation that qualify for support. Of these, 475 require complete reconstruction and 320 need significant repairs, with estimated costs totaling 39 billion VND (1.53 million USD).

Chairman of the Mong Cai City People's Committee Ho Quang Huy, and Mayor of the Dongxing City People's Government Li Jian exchange cooperation agreement. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Chinese cities to build smart border gate pair

They also consented to promote the development of a cross-border economic cooperation zone through sectoral cooperation at Hai Yen industrial park, Van Ninh international port in Mong Cai; a cross-border e-commerce industrial park; and transport connectivity projects between the two cities including the international railway line from Mong Cai to Dongxing, Bac Luan III bridge, and an auxiliary rough steel bridge.