At the ceremony, Nguyen Thanh Son, head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (COVA), noted that the event was to commemorate fallen Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for national construction and defence, as well as international friends who lost their lives during lofty missions in Vietnam.

The requiem offered an opportune occasion for Vietnamese people both at home and abroad to pay their debt of gratitude to their ancestors’ contributions to the cause of national defence and affirm their determination to preserve and promote Vietnam’s cultural values.
 

Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), called on Vietnamese people, regardless of religion or belief, to unite to build an equitable, democratic and civilized society in the era of integration and development.

The Most Venerable said the religious mass was held as part of UN Day of Vesak 2014, which is taking place in Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province.

His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa said that Vesak 2014 has great significance as it helps humankind remember the great efforts by the international Buddhist community in building a more peaceful and happier world for all.

Le Van Huan, a Vietnamese expatriate returning from Thailand for the requiem, said the ritual was also a chance for Vietnam to elevate the image of a nation of peace, hospitality, conciliation, solidarity and development.