Brian Jeffrey
During the national day of mourning on July 25, people from all corners of Vietnam came together to express their grief for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. From the National Funeral Home to his hometown in Dong Anh, and at the memorial service in Ho Chi Minh City, mourners shared memories of a humble and dedicated leader known for his integrity and service to the nation.
Among the mourners was Doan Thi Ngoc Loan (65), a member of the Veterans’ Association from Phuc Xuyen Village, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi. She tearfully expressed, “Since the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, it feels like losing a family member.” Having traveled a day earlier and stayed nearby, she made sure to pay her respects.
At Lai Da Village’s communal house in Dong Hoi, Dong Anh District, Hanoi, the General Secretary’s hometown, people arrived early in the morning to pay their respects orderly.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the memorial service took place at Thong Nhat Hall, with attendees arriving as early as 4 a.m.
Ha Thi Hoa from Thu Duc District shared, “Since hearing of his passing, I can’t sleep. I respected him for his simplicity, sincerity, and devotion to the nation.” Despite the scheduled public tribute at 1 p.m., she arrived early to ensure she could pay her respects.
Le Thi Kim Cuong, 63, from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her grief: “We received the news of his passing while with a group of over 60 people. Everyone was shocked and deeply saddened.”
