Requiem held for 23,000 virus victims

Lights amid the dark: Lanterns being released into the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in HCM City. — Vietnam News/ANN

Tribute ceremonies were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City to commemorate people and frontline workers who died due to Covid-19.

The events took place at the Independence Palace in HCM City and Thong Nhat Park in Hanoi, gathering about 1,000 and 300 participants respectively.

Dozens of venerable monks and nuns, along with 50 families of the casualties, also took part in the ceremony in HCM City.

All participants spent one minute in silence. Incense and candles were lit in both cities, temples and churches rang their bells, and ships sounded their horns at 8.30pm in memory of the victims.

Lanterns were also released into HCM City’s Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe, and Tau Hu-Ben Nghe canals.

Smaller tribute ceremonies were held in other districts in HCM City.

Citizens in both places turned off all lights at public places and residential areas to commemorate the victims.

The two main events were broadcast live nationwide on Vietnam Television.

Speaking at the ceremony in HCM City, Do Van Chien, chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front said: “Because the pandemic was so cruel and dangerous, and despite our efforts, a lot of people who died did not have a proper funeral in line with the country’s customs. This leaves an aching pain for their loved ones, comrades and colleagues.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to Vietnamese people in and out of the country who died during the pandemic. May their souls rest in peace, may the pandemic be eradicated so humanity won’t have to suffer any more pain and loss.”

He added: “I hope all families of the deceased will get through the pain, overcome their overwhelming losses, and get their lives back on track in the new normal.

“To the children who have lost fathers and mothers, this is such a life-changing event for you.

“The Party, the State and your neighbours and relatives will always be by your side as you go on in life.

“Although there will be a lot of difficulties, I believe with the help from the State, the support from the community, and the love and care from your loved ones, you will be compensated, to a certain extent, financially and mentally.

“I hope you will do your best to learn, and grow up to be good citizens of the country.” — Vietnam News/ANN