The War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27) is an annual celebration held to commemorate the wounded soldiers and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence and national defense.
This holiday is recognized as a manifestation of the Vietnamese tradition of remembering those who have contributed to the nation, honoring their sacrifices, and acknowledging the roots of our heritage. It aims to educate younger generations about gratitude towards those who have served the Revolution throughout history.
History of War Invalids and Martyrs Day
After the August Revolution of 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established. However, due to the fledgling revolutionary government, the French colonialists conspired to invade our country once again.
War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27 is a day for the community to remember and honor the soldiers who sacrificed for the Fatherland. (Image: Internet).
The French colonialists replaced Chiang Kai-shek in the North and plotted to invade our country once again. Determined to protect the revolutionary achievements and maintain national independence, our army and people bravely fought in the areas occupied by French colonialists. Many soldiers and compatriots were wounded and permanently left on the battlefield.
The suffering enveloped the entire nation, with many families losing both husbands and children. Many young wives experienced happiness for only a single day. To help alleviate the pain of the families of the soldiers and compatriots, the Vietnamese government promoted the establishment of an organization called The Association for Helping Fallen Soldiers.
In early 1946, the Association for Helping Fallen Soldiers (later renamed the Association for Helping Wounded Soldiers) was established in Thuan Hoa, Binh Tri Thien, Hanoi, and many other places. President Ho Chi Minh was invited to serve as the honorary president of the Association for Helping Fallen Soldiers.
On the afternoon of May 28, 1946, the “Helping Wounded Soldiers” Association held an important talk at the Hanoi City Theater, which President Ho Chi Minh attended.
On the afternoon of July 11, 1946, a donation event for clothing, shoes, and hats for soldiers at the front took place at this theater, marking the beginning of the “Soldier’s Winter” campaign. Here, Uncle Ho took off his own warm coat to give to the soldiers.
When the nationwide resistance broke out on December 19, 1946, the number of wounded and fallen soldiers increased. The lives of our soldiers and compatriots faced countless difficulties.
The Party and State decided on many important policies regarding war invalids and martyrs to ensure the material and spiritual lives of policy families during the early stages of the resistance.
The conference agreed to designate July 27, 1947, as National War Invalids Day.
In June 1947, delegates from the Viet Minh Central Office, the National Women’s Union, the Political Department of the National Army of Vietnam, the Propaganda and Information Department, and several localities met in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen.
The meeting’s agenda was to implement President Ho’s directive to select a day to commemorate War Invalids and Martyrs and safeguard the work related to them.
After consideration, the conference unanimously agreed to designate July 27, 1947, as National War Invalids Day. This was considered an important rally with 2,000 participants in Thai Nguyen. At this event, the organizing committee solemnly read a letter from President Ho Chi Minh.
He sent a silk shirt, a month’s salary, and a meal from the staff of the Presidential Palace.
Every year on this occasion, he would also send letters and gifts to the wounded soldiers and the families of martyrs.
After the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954, our Party and State paid even more attention to issues concerning soldiers, the families of martyrs, and the work related to war invalids. From 1955, July 27 was officially designated as War Invalids and Martyrs Day.
Significance of War Invalids and Martyrs Day
Political Significance
July 27 each year reflects the evaluation of the Party, State, and people towards families who have lost loved ones for the Fatherland.
This serves to promote patriotism, love for socialism, revolutionary spirit, and faith in the revolutionary cause chosen and led by Uncle Ho and our Party.
War Invalids and Martyrs Day aims to enhance awareness, responsibility, and gratitude.
This encourages and promotes the revolutionary tradition in the renewal of the nation.
The work for war invalids and martyrs and policies for those who contributed to the revolution is a reflection of the superiority and nature of our Party and State.
It creates conditions to strengthen the people’s trust in the Party’s leadership as well as the management of the state.
This contributes to enhancing the revolutionary potential, consolidating the great unity of the entire nation, and establishing the foundation to uphold the socialist orientation, combatting the schemes of hostile forces aiming to divide the national unity and tarnish the glorious past of the nation.
Through proposing and fully implementing social policies for war invalids, the families of martyrs, and those who contributed to the revolution, we continue to contribute to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland, which has truly become a material and spiritual motivation helping them rise up, overcome difficulties, and take control of their lives.
Effectively addressing the needs of war invalids, martyrs, and those who contributed to the revolution demonstrates the superiority and noble nature of our State, reinforcing the people’s trust in the Party’s leadership, the management of the state, and contributing to strengthening the great unity of the entire nation, which is the foundation for maintaining political and social stability and ensuring a socialist orientation.
Humanitarian Significance
Enhancing awareness, responsibility, and gratitude, while igniting national pride. Promoting the ethics of “Drinking water, remembering its source” and honoring the contributions of our people. This expresses the deep humanitarian tradition of our nation.
Promoting the spirit of “exemplary revolutionary families” contributes to maintaining political stability and economic development.
Our Party and State always emphasize educating the sense of responsibility, civic duty, and deep gratitude of all classes of people and generations towards martyrs, families of martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and those who contributed to the revolution. Their contributions and sacrifices for the independence and freedom of the nation, and for the happiness of the people are invaluable, not just for yesterday and today, but for generations to come. The care for wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, and those who contributed is a duty, a responsibility, and a great honor for all levels, sectors, social organizations, and everyone, both today and for future generations.
The War Invalids and Martyrs Day in 2024 will be on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
