1. Speech at the Candlelighting Ceremony on July 27th (No. 3)
Honorable spirits of the fallen heroes…!
Distinguished leaders, esteemed guests, dear ladies and gentlemen!
With the support of countless business hearts and the community, we pay tribute to the fallen heroes; with the assistance of ... Today, on July 23rd, 20XX, during the XXth Anniversary of Vietnam’s War Invalids and Martyrs Day, at the Martyrs Cemetery..., we, consisting of... leaders, veterans, businessmen, and exemplary youth representatives from the Vietnam Small and Medium Enterprises Association,...
With the utmost respect and reverence, we humbly request to perform the Memorial Ceremony for the fallen heroes.
Today, at this sacred land where countless brave souls sacrificed for the peaceful life, the independence, and freedom of our nation, we stand before the spirits of the fallen heroes and the sacred national flag carried from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh, Hanoi, offering wreaths and thousands of incense and candles to express the deep gratitude of the business community and society towards those who gave their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom, fulfilling the noble mission entrusted by our country, bringing everlasting happiness to our motherland Vietnam.
In this sacred and emotional moment, we pledge to continue the heroic tradition of our forebears, striving to study, work, and contribute to building and protecting our country, helping it become ever more prosperous and civilized.
Before the spirits of the fallen heroes, we solemnly vow to do our utmost to fulfill the dreams they left behind and to honor their sacrifice with a moment of silence in remembrance.”


2. Speech at the Candlelighting Ceremony on July 27th (No. 4)
Honorable spirits of the fallen heroes!
Honored mothers of Vietnam's heroic mothers!
Honored distinguished guests!
Dear comrades and friends!
The historic victory of the Spring of 1975 confirmed the strength of the great unity of the Vietnamese people in the face of French colonialism and American imperialism, leading our nation from the painful years of slavery to the triumph of liberation, the complete liberation of the South, and the reunification of the country. The land of our homeland is now peaceful and united, and we continue to build socialism.
Through two great wars of resistance to protect our homeland, under the leadership of the Party and our beloved Uncle Ho, the entire Vietnamese people rose up to fight. Millions of young people from every region of the country stood together in trenches, fighting the French and American invaders, driven by the noble cause of "Independence and Freedom" for our nation.
The historical victory of Dien Bien Phu will forever remain an immortal song of heroism, forever etched in the history of our nation with golden pages of glory.
After 56 days and nights of relentless and heroic fighting, our soldiers achieved the historical victory of Dien Bien Phu, which shook the world. Time will pass, but the contributions and sacrifices of our martyrs will forever be inscribed in the glorious history of our nation and army, as an immortal anthem...
When the North was liberated, the country was divided. The entire nation joined forces with the South to resist the brutal and violent actions of American imperialism.
We will never forget a South that was "steadfast and loyal," a South that was "brave and enduring."
"...Blood still fresh, more blood fills the earth O South, so many pains to bear Twenty years of never leaving the battlefield Ahead and behind, resilient and brave".
All for the beloved South, while the North stood ready to fight the Americans on the frontlines
"O North, with heavy shoulders Carrying the mountains and rivers, crossing vast distances Cutting through the Truong Son Range to save the nation With hearts full of hope for the future".
Dear comrades and friends!
Along with the spirit of the entire nation going to war, the people of Hung Yen have carried forward the heroic tradition of our land, a land of rich culture and revolutionary heritage, always ready to volunteer and join the battle to protect our nation’s unity. Throughout the long resistance war against the French and the Americans, many of Hung Yen's sons and daughters, especially the youth, sacrificed their blood and youth to contribute to the victory of our people, blooming the most beautiful flowers of all time.
Many of them rest peacefully on their homeland, while countless martyrs are honored in cemeteries across the country. These are the historical markers of the "crimes that neither Heaven nor Earth can forgive" committed by the French colonialists, American imperialists, and their collaborators. The great contributions and sacrifices of our martyrs illuminate the revolutionary heroism of the Vietnamese people in the era of Ho Chi Minh, for the independence and freedom of our nation, and for socialism.
Honorable spirits of the fallen heroes!
With the spirit of "Drinking from the well, remembering the one who dug it," in our program of activities to express gratitude to our fallen heroes, the youth of Hung Yen, on the anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, together with local organizations, businesses, and sectors, are organizing the distribution of gifts worth nearly .... million VND to the families of war invalids, martyrs, heroic mothers, and those who contributed to the revolution. Each district and youth union will sponsor at least one child from a martyr or severely wounded soldier family...
We are also donating incense burners to memorial sites and cemeteries of martyrs, restoring broken or damaged graves, cleaning the environment around memorial sites, and organizing candlelight ceremonies to honor our fallen heroes on the evening of July 26th, across 10 districts, cities, and 130 communes.
Dear comrades and friends!
With the determination to modernize and bring prosperity to our homeland, following the path chosen by the Party and Uncle Ho, "Independence and Socialism," today, on the anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, the youth of the province have gathered here to offer candles, incense, and flowers to honor the spirits of the martyrs, showing our deep gratitude to those generations who gave their lives for the independence and freedom of our nation, and the happiness of our people. This is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our responsibilities to our homeland, encouraging all young people to rise above themselves, do meaningful work for themselves and our country, contributing to building a prosperous and peaceful Vietnam, as envisioned by those who sacrificed before us.
Honorable martyrs!
In this sacred moment, we bow to you, presenting these fresh flowers and incense, to express our deep respect for those who sacrificed their blood and youth for independence, freedom, and for the happiness of our people. Your sacrifices have written glorious pages in our nation's history, paving the way for the youth to follow. Your blood stained the flag of our country, enriching the land we now live on. That honor belongs to you, the fallen heroes.
We vow to continue your glorious legacy, remain loyal to the ideals of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and always walk the path chosen by the Party, Uncle Ho, and the people. We will unite, overcome difficulties, and strive to "Cultivate virtue, refine talent," volunteer to build and protect the socialist Vietnam. We are ready to go wherever our country and people need us.
In this solemn moment, the youth of Hung Yen commit to carry forward the indomitable spirit of the heroes who went before us. We pledge to study, work, and labor to contribute to the nation's development. We will actively engage in patriotic movements, volunteer to build and protect our country, and contribute to achieving the economic and social goals that will lead to a prosperous and civilized homeland.
To honor the martyrs who bravely sacrificed for the independence of our country, let us observe a minute of silence. The moment of silence begins now.


3. Speech at the Candle Lighting Ceremony on July 27th (Number 5)
Esteemed leaders.
Honored delegates.
Dear young comrades.
This morning, in a solemn and emotional atmosphere, standing by the Statue of the Fatherland, before the memorials and spirits of the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation's liberation, we remember and honor the contributions of the previous generations who gave their lives for this beloved land.
During this significant March, the youth across the country are actively celebrating the XXth anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the XXth anniversary of the full liberation of Bình Long with diverse and meaningful activities. The youth today reflect on and remember the glorious past of their ancestors with admiration, respect, and deep gratitude.
The Vietnamese nation forever remembers the sacrifices of the fallen heroes who gave their lives to build the great homeland. Their victories serve as a shining example for our youth today to remember, learn from, and eternally honor their sacrifices in history.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the wounded soldiers, the families with revolutionary contributions, and the heroic Vietnamese mothers. We pledge to do everything we can to repay the sacrifices made by those who gave their blood and lives for the Fatherland.
Honored delegates.
Dear young comrades.
The war is over, time has healed the wounds on our bodies, and the suffering of the past has been replaced by joy and happiness. Yet, on this land, there are still the pains of children affected by Agent Orange, and soldiers who returned with part of their bodies left on the battlefield. The heroic legacy of our ancestors remains etched in the memories of all, and we cannot fully recount the valor of these heroes who brought pride to our motherland, Vietnam.
Amidst the bombs and bullets, these heroes fought courageously and selflessly, ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation's survival. They truly embodied the spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Our nation is at peace, and the comrades and friends of these heroes have returned to the loving embrace of their families, while the heroes themselves remain forever in the soil of their homeland. Those who loved them never got to see them return, and mothers no longer have tears to shed for their fallen sons.
These heroes rest beneath the rows of gravestones, standing as a reminder of the brave soldiers who once fought. Yet, many remain unknown, their names not recorded, their sacrifices unacknowledged. Future generations will forever remember these heroes, the source of our nation's strength and inspiration, and will continue to honor their sacrifices.
Honored delegates.
Dear young comrades.
Looking back at the past, the flow of time has intertwined the various stages of our nation’s history. For hundreds of years, we fought for freedom, casting off the shackles of oppression. The sacrifices and glorious victories of our heroes will forever be a source of pride for the Vietnamese people, etched into the golden pages of history, and will serve as a guiding light for future generations.
Today, here at this sacred place, we solemnly conduct the induction ceremony for the "XXth Anniversary of the Youth Union’s Founding." The young people joining the Youth Union today will understand the sacredness of this moment and the deep meaning of inscribing their names into the ranks of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union. In front of the spirits of the fallen heroes, we pledge to live worthy of the legacy of our beloved Uncle Ho, fulfilling the sacrifices of our martyrs.
We light a candle and place a white lily at their graves to show our respect, warming the resting places of these indomitable heroes who have made our nation proud. Our country, our people, our Party, and our State will forever remember the fallen heroes, and we will continue on the path that our Party and Uncle Ho have laid out for us, worthy of their enormous sacrifices. Glory forever to the fallen heroes, and the words "Live, Fight, Die with Honor" will forever adorn this memorial.
Let us respectfully observe a minute of silence to remember the fallen heroes. The sound of the solemn music and the scent of incense seem to warm the spirits of those who have passed.


4. The History Behind July 27th
July 27th was chosen as Vietnam's War Invalids and Martyrs Day based on a significant historical event related to the recognition and honoring of those who sacrificed and contributed to the nation.
- National Assembly Approves the War Invalids and Martyrs Law (July 27, 1947): On July 27, 1947, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam passed the War Invalids and Martyrs Law. This law outlined policies for war invalids, martyrs, and their families, recognizing and honoring their sacrifices and contributions to the nation's fight for independence and defense.
- Commemoration and Gratitude: This day has become an official occasion for the nation to remember and honor fallen heroes who sacrificed during resistance wars against foreign invaders and in the defense of the country. Activities typically include incense offerings at martyrs' cemeteries, ceremonies, and seminars to reflect on history and commemorate the heroes' contributions.
July 27th is not only a day for remembrance but also for educating the younger generation about the patriotism and spirit of sacrifice for the nation's independence and freedom.
5. Speech at the Candle Lighting Ceremony for Gratitude on July 27th (version 1)
Honorable spirits of the Heroes and Martyrs!
Respectfully addressing the heroic mothers, veterans, wounded soldiers, and families with special merits!
Distinguished delegates, dear citizens, and beloved youth members!
XX years have passed since July 27, 1947, and every year on this date, the incense of generations of Vietnamese people is reverently lit at cemeteries and memorials for our fallen heroes. “The martyr's sacrifice will be honored for a thousand years, the hero's name will be remembered forever.” This is the tradition and sacred duty of the Vietnamese people. Today, on the XXth anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day, we gather here at the cemetery... where nearly ... brave sons and daughters of our homeland rest. These are the individuals who heroically sacrificed for the independence and freedom of our country and for international duties. On behalf of the organizing committee and the youth of the province, we extend our deep gratitude to the great President Ho Chi Minh and the martyrs, veterans, heroic mothers, and families who contributed to the revolution; we sincerely thank the delegates, honored guests, and all citizens for participating in this meaningful ceremony.
Dear comrades and friends!
The history of the Vietnamese people has always placed the youth in a special role. It is the position of fighting and overcoming the most brutal enemies of the 20th century. At the call of the nation, millions of our brave youth sacrificed their youth and lives for the homeland. Many of them fell on the battlefield or returned home bearing the scars of war. Countless families of martyrs, wives waiting for husbands, mothers anxiously waiting for children who would never return...
Today’s younger generation will forever honor these sacrifices, remembering the words of President Ho Chi Minh: “The wounded soldiers, veterans, the families of martyrs and soldiers have served the country and the people; our duty is to be grateful, to love, and to support them.” Over the years, through revolutionary movements and the activities “Paying tribute to the fallen,” “Drinking water, remembering its source,” the Party, the government, and youth have responded through practical actions: visiting, offering gifts, supporting martyr families, wounded soldiers, veterans, caring for the graves of martyrs, and participating in memorial events. The province has witnessed millions of active, volunteer youth who have beautified cemeteries and memorials, called for resources, and provided labor for building homes for those in need.
This is not only a continuation of our beautiful traditions but also a sacred responsibility and deep gratitude that the younger generation feels towards those who came before us. While our efforts may not fully repay the sacrifices of past generations, one thing is certain—the sincerity of our tribute will live on in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people. The Youth Union and the younger generation of ... pledge to continue working on small but meaningful projects to show our respect and gratitude.
Honorable spirits of the heroes and martyrs
Distinguished delegates!
The “Lighting Candles in Tribute” ceremony today is a reminder to each young person about the tradition of patriotism, national pride, and the responsibility to live, study, work, and protect the country in a way that honors the sacrifices of the previous generations. As the saying goes, “The past is glorious only when the present and future make life more beautiful.”
We respectfully bow before the spirits of our fallen heroes.
We wish all delegates, heroic mothers, veterans, families with special merits, and all the citizens and youth members good health, happiness, and success.
Thank you!


6. What should be included in the speech?
Dear leaders, distinguished guests, and all present,
Dear friends,
- I. Introduction
- Greeting and Introduction:
- Warmly greet the leaders, guests, and all the audience attending today’s ceremony.
- Briefly introduce the purpose of the ceremony: Lighting candles in tribute to fallen heroes on Martyrs and Wounded Soldiers Day, July 27th.
- Significance of July 27th:
- Clarify the historical and cultural significance of Martyrs and Wounded Soldiers Day in honoring the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and veterans.
- Greeting and Introduction:
- II. Body
- Great Contributions and Sacrifices:
- Summarize the struggle for independence and the protection of the nation.
- Highlight the sacrifices and contributions of the fallen heroes and veterans during the wars.
- Candle Lighting Tribute:
- Describe the activity: Explain the significance of lighting candles as a symbol of gratitude and respect.
- The meaning of each candle: Each candle represents a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrificed for the nation.
- Personal Reflections and Message:
- Share personal feelings and thoughts about the noble sacrifices of the fallen heroes and veterans.
- Reflect on the responsibility of individuals and communities to honor and preserve historical heritage.
- Great Contributions and Sacrifices:
- III. Conclusion
- Summary and Emphasis:
- Summarize the significance of the candle lighting ceremony and the importance of honoring the fallen heroes.
- Call to Action:
- Encourage everyone to join in tribute activities, preserve the memory of fallen heroes, and take meaningful actions to support families with special merits.
- Closing and Gratitude:
- Conclude with a sincere tribute to the fallen heroes and thank the leaders, guests, and audience for their participation.
- Summary and Emphasis:
7. Speech at the Candle Lighting Ceremony on July 27th (Version 2)
Respectfully, to the Mothers of Vietnam Heroes!
Respectfully, to the souls of our revolutionary ancestors and fallen heroes!
Respectfully, to the leaders, distinguished representatives, and to all the dear comrades and youth!
July, a month of gratitude, is a time to remind the younger generations, both today and in the future, of the immense sacrifices and contributions made by previous generations in the fight for national liberation and reunification. Today, at Mai Dich Cemetery, filled with emotion and pride, the youth of Hanoi, along with the youth from other coordinating units, have gathered to light candles of remembrance, offering incense as a token of deep respect for the ancestors and martyrs who gave their lives, their youth, and their blood so that we, the younger generations, could live in peace and freedom. On behalf of the youth of these units, we express our profound gratitude and offer our sincerest wishes to the heroic Mothers of Vietnam, war invalids, martyrs' families, and all who have contributed to the revolutionary cause.
Distinguished guests!
Dear comrades!
40 years have passed since the brutal war ended, and our country is now fully united. Our people enjoy independence, freedom, prosperity, and happiness. This victory, however, came at a great cost. Our nation lost millions of its finest sons and daughters on the battlefields, with millions more bearing physical and emotional scars. The sacrifices of these brave men and women have added brilliance to the national flag and their heroic deeds are etched in the annals of history, becoming a source of everlasting pride for present and future generations.
Dear comrades!
With deep reverence and gratitude, the youth of Vietnam has undertaken many meaningful and effective activities in recent years to demonstrate our pride and honor the virtues of our nation, such as “Drinking water, remembering the source” and fulfilling our duties with dedication. We are committed to the values of solidarity, responsibility, and love for our society, contributing to numerous projects and initiatives on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day. (Additional relevant activities can be mentioned here)
Distinguished guests!
Years will pass, but the contributions of our heroes will forever be remembered in the glorious history of our people, like an eternal epic. The candles and incense offered by the youth today symbolize our solemn pledge to continue upholding the revolutionary traditions of our heroic Vietnamese nation, to work tirelessly, to hone our skills, and to dedicate ourselves fully to the cause of a prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilized society, as envisioned by the heroes who once wielded arms to defend our homeland.
The youth of Hanoi and all the units hereby pledge to forever honor the noble sacrifices of our ancestors, our martyrs. We bow our heads in reverence to these heroes.
May the souls of our ancestors and fallen heroes rest in eternal peace.
We wish health and happiness to all distinguished guests, comrades, and friends!
Thank you very much.


