Vientiane (VNA) – A requiem for Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos and heroic martyrs of Laos were held at the Vietnam-Laos Combat Alliance Monument in Laos’ Oudomxay province on December 22.
The activity was organised by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang in coordination with Oudomxay authorities and Vietnamese representative missions in Laos on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944-2024) and the 35th anniversary of Vietnam's All-People’s Defence Festival (December 22, 1989-2024).
Addressing the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Luang Prabang Kieu Thi Hang Phuc highlighted the traditions of the Vietnam People’s Army and people and their close bonds and solidarity with the Lao military and people to fight common enemy.
The blood of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts mixed with that of the Lao military and people, further solidifying the deep and enduring friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, she stated. The diplomat went on to say that despite the progress made in the search for remains of the fallen, the ongoing pain is still there as the remains of many martyrs have yet to be found.
Meanwhile, Bounkhong Lachiemphone, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Oudomxay emphasised the meaning of the event to pay tribute to martyrs of both Vietnam and Laos who died for the independence and freedom of their nations, as well as for the noble international mission. Lachiemphone noted that the ceremony is an important way to teach younger generations to cherish and preserve the fruits of the revolution and to further strengthen the ever-lasting bonds between the two nations.
The Lao official expressed his deep gratitude to the Vietnamese people, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong, who laid the foundation for the loyal and pure relationship between Vietnam and Laos – a unique one in the international relations.
The requiem was held in accordance with both Vietnamese and Lao customs with the participation of Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang, member of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council and head of the VBS Coordination Committee in Laos as well as Buddhist monks, nuns and followers of Vietnam and Laos.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Luang Prabang delegation visited and extended greetings to officers and soldiers of 705 International Cooperation Company and the martyr remain searching team of Vietnam's Military Region 2 in Oudomxay./.
