Vietnam Buddhist Temples Ring Bells to Honor War Heroes on Martyrs' Day

Across Vietnam, Buddhist temples observed a solemn ritual on the morning of July 27, 2026, ringing bells and striking drums three times to honor war heroes and martyrs. The ceremony, held on the 79th anniversary of the Day of Invalids and Martyrs, is a deeply ingrained tradition reflecting the nation's gratitude and remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for national independence.

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For followers of Buddhism, this embodies the fourfold gratitude in their practice, including gratitude to the nation and to those who sacrificed their blood so we can have the independent lives we have today.

At Quán Sứ Pagoda in Hanoi, the central headquarters of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, dozens of monks and followers gathered before dawn. At precisely 5 a.m., two senior monks initiated the "3 hồi chuông trống bát nhã" (three rounds of bell and drum tolls), a sacred sound that reverberated through the pagoda's grounds. This was followed by chanting and prayers for the souls of the fallen heroes, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Thượng tọa Thích Đức Thiện, Vice President and Secretary General of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, explained the significance of the ritual. "For followers of Buddhism, this embodies the fourfold gratitude in their practice, including gratitude to the nation and to those who sacrificed their blood so we can have the independent lives we have today," he stated. He added that the annual July commemoration is a time for the entire country to reflect with gratitude, upholding the national tradition of "drinking water, remember its source" and repaying debts of gratitude.

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The Central Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has requested all central committees, central departments, and provincial Buddhist Sangha Executive Committees to simultaneously ring 3 rounds of bells and drums at 5 a.m. today to express gratitude and commemorate martyrs.

This year's commemoration holds particular meaning as Vietnam actively participates in the "500 Days and Nights Searching for, Collecting, and Identifying the Remains of Martyrs" campaign. The nationwide ringing of bells and drums at 5 a.m. was a collective act of remembrance, a spiritual call for peace for the martyrs, and a prayer for the nation's prosperity. Following the bell and drum ceremony, further rituals including scripture recitation and prayers were conducted at the main altar, seeking blessings for the departed heroes and for Vietnam's continued development.

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As a child of Vietnam, we will forever remember the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their blood to protect the country.