State President Nguyen Minh Triet, and many other Party and State officials burned incense to commemorate Hung Kings – the founders of the Vietnamese nation – at a solemn ceremony in Phu Tho province on April 23.

In his speech, Mr Triet expressed his never-ending gratitude to Vietnamese ancestors, President Ho Chi Minh, revolutionary veterans, heroic Vietnamese mothers, heroes and war martyrs who bravely fought for national independence and freedom, as well as for the people’s happiness and well-being.

“Having experienced many upheavals over thousands of years, Vietnam has today made many important achievements of historical significance,” said Mr Triet. “The country has achieved relatively high economic growth for many consecutive years, maintained its socio-political stability, national defence and security, elevated its status internationally and improved its people’s standard of living.”

He confirmed that these achievements are testimony to the clear-sighted leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the result of national unity and the extraordinary efforts from the entire Party, people and army.

President Triet called on his fellow Vietnamese countrymen, no matter where they are, to join hands to bring into full play the bloc of great national unity and build a strong and prosperous Vietnamese nation.

In his oration, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Tien Tho confirmed the great significance of the Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary and praised the Kings for their immense contribution to founding Van Lang– the first independent and sovereign State of the Vietnamese people several thousand years ago.

To defend the nation, he said, generations of Vietnamese people have been united, driving away foreign invaders and wresting back national independence and freedom.

His speech also highlighted the Vietnamese people’s feelings towards their roots, their national patriotism, love for peace and international solidarity, and great national unity under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

After the ceremony, President Triet and leaders from various other provinces laid wreaths at the Hung Kings’ Tomb.

The Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary is observed on the 10^th day of the third lunar month to pay respect to the founders of the Vietnamese nation. It is part of the Hung Kings Temple Festival, which starts on the first day of lunar March.

About 5.5 million pilgrims, including overseas Vietnamese, have taken part in diverse activities of the 10-day festival.