War Invalids and Martyrs Day, observed on July 27, is a sacred milestone in the nation’s history, embodying the Vietnamese tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source.” The origins of this commemorative day are closely linked to the arduous yet heroic years of resistance against French colonial rule, when tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians shed their blood and gave their lives to defend the nation’s fledgling independence.

Out of profound gratitude to those who sacrificed and contributed to national independence and freedom, the Party, the Government, President Ho Chi Minh and the entire Vietnamese people paid special attention to wounded soldiers and the families of fallen soldiers. From early initiatives such as establishing the Association for Aid to Soldiers in Distress to social welfare policies and widespread public campaigns, the spirit of “Repaying kindness” was gradually institutionalized and spread widely. The July 27 observance emerged in this context, serving not only as an acknowledgment but also as a reminder to present and future generations of their responsibility to preserve and uphold the noble values forged through the blood and tears of generations before them.

1. The Origins of War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27

Not long after the victory of the August Revolution in 1945 and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam), French colonial forces returned to invade the country once again. With an indomitable spirit and determination to defend the achievements of the revolution and safeguard national independence, Vietnam’s armed forces and people fought courageously against the invaders. During the early years of the fierce resistance against French colonial rule, many civilians and soldiers gave their lives, shed their blood and devoted their strength on the battlefields. Guided by the nation’s longstanding traditions of “When drinking water, remember its source” and “Repaying kindness,” and deeply aware of the immense sacrifices and contributions that fallen heroes and wounded soldiers had made to the country, the Party, the Government, President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people extended their wholehearted care to soldiers and civilians who had been wounded or had died for the nation’s independence and freedom.

In early 1946, the Association for Aid to Soldiers in Distress was established in Thuan Hoa (Binh Tri Thien), followed by Hanoi and several other localities. Shortly afterward, it was renamed the Association for Aid to Wounded Soldiers. A central association was established at the national level, and President Ho Chi Minh was elected its Honorary President.

On the afternoon of May 28, 1946, at the Hanoi Opera House, the Central Association for Aid to Soldiers in Distress organized an important talk calling on people to join the Association and actively support wounded soldiers according to their families’ means. President Ho Chi Minh attended the event.

Subsequently, numerous fundraising and support programs for soldiers were launched, most notably the “Winter for Soldiers” campaign. At President Ho Chi Minh’s initiative, the campaign committee met to launch a movement to sew padded jackets for soldiers. On the afternoon of November 17, 1946, at the Hanoi Opera House, the Vietnam National United Association held a “Winter for Soldiers” launch ceremony, initiating the nationwide campaign to help soldiers through the bitter winter. President Ho Chi Minh and members of the Government attended. At the ceremony, he took off the sweater he was wearing and donated it to the soldiers.

When nationwide resistance broke out on December 19, 1946, people across the country rose in unison in response to President Ho Chi Minh’s Appeal for Nationwide Resistance, embracing the spirit of “Determined to die so that the nation may live.” The number of those wounded and killed in combat increased, and soldiers, particularly those who had been wounded, faced severe hardship and deprivation. In response, the Party and the State introduced important policies concerning war invalids and martyrs, helping stabilize the living conditions and emotional well-being of wounded soldiers and the families of fallen soldiers.

On February 16, 1947, President Ho Chi Minh formally signed Decree No. 20/SL, “Regulations on Pensions, Disability Benefits and Death Benefits for Fallen Soldiers.” This was the first legal document to affirm the importance of work concerning war invalids and martyrs and the attention paid by the Party and the State to wounded and sick soldiers and the families of fallen soldiers.

In June 1947, representatives of the Viet Minh General Headquarters, the Central Committee of the Women’s National Salvation Association, the Central Committee of the National Salvation Youth Union, the Political Department of the Vietnam National Army, the Department of Information and Propaganda, and several localities met in Dai Tu (Bac Thai) to discuss work concerning war invalids and martyrs and implement President Ho Chi Minh’s Directive to select a date for War Invalids and Martyrs Day. At this meeting, the delegates unanimously chose July 27 as “National War Invalids Day.” From then on, President Ho Chi Minh sent letters and gifts each year on this occasion to express his care and encouragement, reminding everyone to show gratitude and wholeheartedly assist wounded soldiers and the families of fallen soldiers. In particular, following the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the Government and President Ho Chi Minh devoted even greater attention to work concerning war invalids and martyrs.

In July 1955, the Party and the State decided to rename “National War Invalids Day” as “War Invalids and Martyrs Day” to recognize the immense sacrifices made by civilians and soldiers throughout the country for the glorious victory of the entire nation.

Following the liberation of the South and national reunification, under Directive 223/CT- TW dated July 8, 1975, issued by the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, July 27 officially became the annual nationwide observance of “War Invalids and Martyrs Day,” beginning in 1975.

2. The Significance of War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27

The day carries forward the nation’s traditions of “Filial devotion, gratitude and compassion,” “When drinking water, remember its source,” and “When eating fruit, remember those who planted the tree.” It expresses the gratitude and respect of the Party, the State and the Vietnamese people for those who sacrificed and contributed to the nation’s independence, freedom and reunification, and to the happiness of its people.

The day affirms that caring for wounded and sick soldiers, the families of fallen soldiers and people with meritorious service is both an honor and a responsibility for authorities at all levels, all sectors, sociopolitical organizations and every individual, in present and future generations, in recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of heroes, fallen soldiers and wounded soldiers for national independence and freedom and the happiness of the people.

The day helps educate people about revolutionary traditions, thereby fostering patriotism and strengthening and deepening faith in the revolutionary cause chosen by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people.

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.