At the ceremony (Source: VNA) Quang Tri (VNA) - Arequiem ceremony was held in the central province of Quang Tri on July 21 tocommemorate soldiers who died during an 81-day battle here in the summer of1972 to safeguard the country.
Jointly held by the Quang TriAncient Citadel Soldier Association and the Vietnam BuddhistSangha (VBS), the ceremony was among activities tomark the 71st anniversary of the Vietnam Invalids and Martyrs Day(July 27, 1947-2018).
It was attended by representatives from ministries, departments and sectors,armed forces, local officials and heroic Vietnamese mothers, and over 3,000 dignitaries,monks, nuns, and Buddhistfollowers nationwide.
Fierce fighting for control of the citadel, thecentral province’s symbol of power, started from June 28 and endedon September 26, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
The fight contributed to Vietnam’s triumph atthe Paris Conference and was a prerequisite for the General Offensive and Uprisingin the spring of 1975, which completely liberated the south and reunified thecountry.
The old citadel, just under 3,000sq.m, and a small area around it was bombardedby the combined fire power of American B52 strategic bombers, the 7th Fleet andthousands of artillery pieces.
An estimated 328,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped on the old citadel and asmall town of some 10,000 houses around it. By the time the fighting ended, thetown was almost leveled. No houses remained intact.
In recent time, a series of activities have been organised by local authorities,organisations and those in and ouside the province to support families ofwounded soldiers and martyrs. Hundredsof houses were presented to people who contributed to the revolution.
On the occasion, the Sai Gon - Hanoi Bank presented20 houses worth 50 million VND (2,184 USD) each to members of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldier Association’schapters nationwide. The Joint Stock Commercial Bankfor Foreign Trade of Vietnam’s branches in Quang Tri and Ho Chi Minh City alsogave 12 houses totaling 600 million VND (26,210 USD) to the families of invalids and martyrs in the locality.-VNA
VNA
