The directive also calls on Buddhist organizations to hold requiem ceremonies for heroic martyrs, participate in the nationwide 500-day campaign to search for, recover, and identify the remains of fallen soldiers, coordinate with local authorities to organize rituals in honor of the heroes, visit and present gifts to war veterans, wounded soldiers, martyrs' families and those with meritorious service to the nation.
Most Venerable Thich Gia Quang, Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said: "As Buddha's followers, we embrace compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, and uphold the Vietnamese tradition of honoring our predecessors. Through Buddhist practices, rituals, and ceremonies, we pray for the souls of those who sacrificed their lives, wishing them peace and well-being."
The Vietnam Association for Supporting Martyrs' Families is proposing to build an altar for worshipping fallen heroes in Buddhist temples across the country. According to the proposal, at 7:00 PM on War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, July 27 every year, Buddhist temples nationwide will light candles, offer incense, ring ceremonial bells, conduct memorial services, and pay tribute to those who laid down their lives for the country.
