Commemorating compatriots, cadres and soldiers who died during Covid-19 pandemic: Remembering those who left, warming the hearts of those who stay!

Along with the whole country, on the evening of November 19, provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, Fatherland Front Committee solemnly held a memorial ceremony for compatriots, cadres and soldiers who died during the Covid-19 pandemic at provincial Exhibition and Convention Center. The event was attended by Nguyen Van Loi, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Head of provincial National Assembly Deputy Delegation, Head of provincial Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control; Nguyen Hoang Thao, Pernament Vice-Secretary of provincial Party Committee; Nguyen Van Loc, member of provincial Party Standing Committee, Head of provincial Party Committee’s Mass Mobilization Commission, Chairman of provincial Fatherland Front Committee; representatives of the armed forces, departments, sectors and localities, religious dignitaries and 48 families of the deceased in the province.

Solemness and emotion

The memorial ceremony took place solemnly, concisely and meaningfully with traditional rituals such as minute of silence, incense burning, and candle lighting in memory of those who died due Covid-19. Those who attended the ceremony together offered incense and candles to compatriots, frontline forces who died of Covid-9, which was considered as the determined promise of those who stay to further unite and maintain anti-epidemic results, preventing pandemic outbreaks; implement the local socio-economic development goals.

Delegates light candles to commemorate cadres, soldiers and compatriots who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Up to now, although the pandemic situation has been basically controlled, but we can't help feeling heartache when looking back on the great economic losses, especially the great damage to the health and lives of the people and anti-pandemic forces. Mr. Thao shared: "It's so sad! Due to requirements of Covid-19 prevention and control, people with the pandemic were very lonely when passing away. They had no relatives next to them when taking their last breath and there were no funerals in accordance with  the traditional customs of Vietnamese people. Hundreds of children in an instant became orphans, wives lost husbands, children lost parents, grandparents in shock, endless grief."

Buddhist followers light candles in remembrance of the deceased, due to Covid-19 pandemic at Hoi An  pagoda

Invited to attend the memorial ceremony, Luong Thi Gai, the wife of a volunteer who died, due to the pandemic in An Thanh ward’s Thanh Hoa B quarter in  Thuan An city was very emotional because the province organized a ceremony with very special meaning. “Our family is deeply moved by the affection and concern of all-level leaders, helping us gain more confidence and energy to overcome pains and difficulties in our current life. We also believe that the souls of those who died of Covid-19 are also warm in the face of everyone's affection and kindness," said she.

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely damaged the economy, people's health and lives, claimed the lives of many people, but it cannot divide our nation. During the days of fighting the epidemic, the spirit of great national unity, the tradition of "good leaves protect torn leaves"…shone brighter than ever. The silent sacrifice and death of the compatriots and civil servants in this "war without gunfire" will remain in our minds forever. Compatriotship and comradeship will definitely help us overcome this harsh pain and challenge.

Many activities in response

Along with the main ceremony organized by the province, religions in the province also hold memorial ceremonies with their own rituals. At Hoi An pagoda in Thu Dau Mot city’s Hoa Phu ward, the Executive Board of provincial Buddhist Sangha also held a ceremony to pray for those who died of Covid-19. About 2,600 memorial candles were lighted with the participation of 100 monks, nuns and  Buddhist followers. With all love and sharing, everyone spent a minute of silene, offered incense, lighted candles to pray for those who died of Covid-19 in accordance with Buddhist rituals.

Catholic parishioners light candles in memory of compatriots, cadres and soliders who died during the Covid-19 pandemic

Most Venerable Thich Hue Thong, Head of the Executive Board of provincial Buddhist Sangha said that the memorial ceremony will contribute to creating confidence to console those who stay because those who died, due to Covid-19 did not have funerals in line with with Vietnamese rites... This was a great loss in death. The memorial ceremony will help survivors feel relieved. Sharing the same sentiments in memory of compatriots who died during the pandemic, churches and chapels in Phu Cuong Diocese also simultaneously rang mourning bells for 5 minutes. The melancholy bells resounding among thousands of twinkling candles became a pray for the souls of the victims to rest in peace.

At St. Joseph's Church in Thu Dau Mot city’s Hoa Phu ward, at 20:30, the memorial ceremony for compatriots, cadres and soldiers who sacrificed and died during the Covid-19 pandemic officially began. In a solemn atmosphere, the ceremony took place emotionally with the traditional rites of the Catholic compatriots. About 50 priests, clergymen and parishioners respectfully prayed in front of the cathedral, wishing leaders, doctors, medical staff, and volunteers participating in the fight against the pandemic more courage, better health in order to further help the people while praying for patients who are struggling with Covid-19 pandemic to get more strength to overcome the pandemic as well as easing the pain of families with the deceased, due to  the pandemic.

Priest John Baotaxita Nguyen Van Rien, Chairman of provincial Catholic Solidarity Committee shared: “Commemorating the victims of Covid-19 is to remind us of a historic battle against the pandemic. Those who are living must absolutely not be negligent and subjective in Covid-19 prevention and control; let's be more determined and united in this tough fight against the pandemic."

Many people in the province also responded to this meaningful memorial ceremony by turning off the lights, burning incense, and lighting candles. Nguyen Dieu Hue in Phu An commune’s Phu Thu hamlet in Ben Cat town shared: "The organization of the memorial ceremony is very meaningful, expressing the sharing of pain with families who have lost loved ones, due to Covid- 19. I also received messages from the phone subscriber system and responded by turning off the lights, lighting incense and candles during the memorial ceremony. I hope that the pandemic will be eradicated soon so that everyone can have a peaceful life”.

During the 4th wave of Covid-19 pandemic, more than 23,000 compatriots, cadres and soldiers died of Covid-19. This is the great pain and loss of the country and each family. More than 2,500 of those were in Binh Duong province.

Reported by P.V-Translated by Kim Tin