A Family Tradition: Honoring a War Hero for 14 Years

Every year, Tri embarks on a journey from Thai Thuy, Thai Binh, to Ham Rong Martyrs Cemetery in Thanh Hoa province to pay his respects to his late uncle. He begins his day early and arrives at 10 am, where he starts by lighting incense at the traditional house before moving to his uncle’s grave to clean and honor him.

Tri’s uncle, Pham Duy Ban, was a martyr, and despite years of searching, his grave remained elusive. In 2010, the family held a ceremony to invite his spirit to the cemetery in Thanh Hoa and erected a grave in his honor, even though it bears the inscription “martyr’s grave with unidentified information.”

For the past 14 years, on Martyrs and Invalids’ Day, Tri has made the journey to Thanh Hoa to remember his uncle. Sometimes accompanied by others, he often goes alone, bringing simple offerings like cakes, fruits, and incense. Tri not only tends to his uncle’s grave but also pays his respects to other martyrs.

During these annual visits, many others also come to the cemetery to honor and remember those who served the country. Ho Thanh Hai, a veteran from Thanh Hoa City, visits to pay tribute to his fallen comrades, reflecting on the personal belongings displayed at the site, each holding memories of the soldiers who carried them.

Nguyen Thi Hop, a resident of Thanh Hoa City, visits the cemetery every year to light incense at each grave on July 27, emphasizing the importance of honoring past sacrifices and educating younger generations about patriotism.