Quang Ngai (VNA) – An incense offering ceremony was held on March 16 at the Son My Memorial Site in Tinh Khe commune, the central province of Quang Ngai, to mark the 58th anniversary of the massacre of 504 civilians in Son My (March 16, 1968–2026).
In her remarks, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Pham Thi Trung recalled the incident and affirmed the determination of local authorities and residents in building a prosperous homeland.
The massacre became a deep and lasting pain for the Vietnamese people and people of conscience around the world, she said, adding the killings shocked global public opinion and sparked a strong wave of protests against the war in Vietnam, including those within the US itself.
Today, the site where the massacre occurred has been preserved as a national historical relic, keeping evidence of the war crime. It has also become a destination of particular interest for both domestic and international visitors travelling to Quang Ngai.
More than half a century later, Son My has revived and developed alongside Quang Ngai province and the nation in the aspiration to build a prosperous, civilised and happy life. The people of Son My, who still bear the pain and scars left by the war, have chosen an extraordinary path: forgiving without forgetting, and closing the door to the past and looking to the future.
At the ceremony, delegates observed a minute of silence and offered incense and flowers at the Son My Monument./.
