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

Out of profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives and devoted themselves to national independence and freedom, the Party, the Government, President Ho Chi Minh and all the people gave special attention to war invalids and martyrs’ families. From early initiatives such as establishing the Association for Assistance to Soldiers in Distress to social welfare policies and widespread public campaigns, the spirit of “repaying kindness” gradually became institutionalized and spread widely. The commemorative day of July 27 was established in this context, not only as an acknowledgment but also as a reminder to present and future generations of their responsibility to preserve and promote 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 founding 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 the homeland’s 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 sacrificed their lives, shed their blood and devoted their strength on the battlefields. Guided by the nation’s traditional moral principles of “When drinking water, remember its source” and “repaying kindness,” and deeply aware of the immense sacrifices and contributions made by heroes, martyrs and war invalids to the country, the Party, the Government, President Ho Chi Minh and the people extended all their love and care to soldiers and civilians who had been wounded or had sacrificed their lives for the homeland’s independence and freedom.

In early 1946, the Association for Assistance 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 Assistance to Wounded Soldiers. A General Association was established at the central level, and President Ho Chi Minh was elected its Honorary President.

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

Many fundraising and support programs for soldiers were subsequently launched, most notably the “Winter for Soldiers” campaign. At President Ho Chi Minh’s initiative, the campaign committee met to launch a movement to make padded vests for soldiers. On the afternoon of November 17, 1946, at the Hanoi Opera House, the Vietnam National Union Association held a “Winter for Soldiers” rally, launching the nationwide “Winter for Soldiers” 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 wool sweater he was wearing and donated it to the soldiers.

When nationwide resistance broke out on December 19, 1946, people throughout the country rose as one in response to President Ho Chi Minh’s Appeal for National Resistance, embracing the spirit of “Determined to die so that the homeland may live.” As the number of those wounded and killed in combat increased, soldiers, especially wounded soldiers, faced considerable 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 war invalids and martyrs’ families.

On February 16, 1947, President Ho Chi Minh officially 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 given by the Party and the State to war invalids, sick veterans and martyrs’ families.

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 day as War Invalids and Martyrs Day. At this meeting, the delegates unanimously chose July 27 as “National War Invalids Day.” Every year thereafter, on this occasion, President Ho Chi Minh sent letters and gifts to convey his care and encouragement, reminding everyone to be grateful to war invalids and martyrs’ families and to help them wholeheartedly. 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 entire nation’s glorious victory.

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 piety, 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 people for those who sacrificed their lives and devoted themselves to the homeland’s independence, freedom and reunification and to the people’s happiness.

It affirms that caring for war invalids, sick veterans, martyrs’ families and people with meritorious service is both an honor and a responsibility for all levels of administration, sectors, sociopolitical organizations and individuals, and for present and future generations, in recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of heroes, martyrs and war invalids for national independence and freedom and the people’s happiness.

It contributes to education 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 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.