GREEN SUMMER 2026: CANDLELIGHT TRIBUTE AT HILL 82 MARTYRS’ CEMETERY – VIETNAM AVIATION ACADEMY YOUTH UPHOLD TRADITION OF “WHEN DRINKING WATER, REMEMBER ITS SOURCE”

In commemoration of the 79th War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2026), and within the framework of the Green Summer Volunteer Campaign 2026 in Tan Bien Commune, Tay Ninh Province, student volunteers from the Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA) took part in a candlelight tribute ceremony honoring Heroic Martyrs at the Hill 82 Martyrs’ Cemetery. The ceremony provided an opportunity for Academy youth to express profound gratitude to those who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom, while instilling patriotic traditions and the national ethos of “When drinking water, remember its source” among Youth Union members.

The delegation and Green Summer volunteers of the Vietnam Aviation Academy attend the candlelight tribute ceremony at Hill 82 Martyrs’ Cemetery. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

In a solemn and poignant atmosphere, delegates, youth members, and local residents offered incense and flowers, observed a minute of silence, and lit tribute candles on each martyr’s grave. Each fragrant stick of incense and flickering flame expressed not only reverent homage to the souls of the Heroic Martyrs, but also a firm pledge by the younger generation to protect and build upon the noble legacy forged by their forebears.

Hill 82 Martyrs’ Cemetery is currently conducting the collection and DNA sampling of heroic martyrs’ remains. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

Hill 82 Martyrs’ Cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of cadres and soldiers who fought and fell across wars of national defense. It is not only a vital historical “red address” for revolutionary tradition education, but also an enduring monument to indomitable resilience, patriotism, and noble sacrifice for the independence and reunification of Vietnam.

As dusk fell, thousands of candles illuminated the cemetery in a sacred, contemplative glow. The soft candlelight mingling with swirls of incense smoke formed a poignant link between the present and the past, reminding attendees of the immense sacrifices made by preceding generations to secure today’s peace, freedom, and prosperity.

The incense and floral offering rituals in commemoration of the Heroic Martyrs are conducted in a solemn, respectful atmosphere. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

For the VAA Green Summer volunteers, the candlelight tribute was far more than a memorial service; it was a profound, hands-on lesson in patriotism, civic responsibility, and purposeful living. It reinforced the imperative for today’s youth to carry forward the nation’s glorious legacy—continuously studying, training, and dedicating their intellect and energy to community service and national development.

Each candle represents a word of thanks; each incense stick embodies a pledge to carry forward the revolutionary traditions of the younger generation. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

The memorial activities at Hill 82 Martyrs’ Cemetery resonated deeply with every participating delegate and volunteer. Serving as a meaningful highlight in political and ideological education during the 2026 Green Summer Campaign, the event enriched revolutionary ideals and nurtured patriotism, gratitude, and civic duty among the youth of the Vietnam Aviation Academy in their mission to serve the Fatherland and the people.

Vietnam Aviation Academy youth uphold the tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source,” championing responsibility and the aspiration to serve. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

ĐTN&HSV – HTT