More than 1,500 former prisoners detained by the French and US during wartime at Phu Quoc prison gathered on April 6 to recall their shared memories of the heroic past.
Former President Truong Tan Sang (L) and former war prisoners paid tribute to fallen soldiers in Phu Quoc martyrs' cemetery. (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA) – More than 1,500former prisoners detained by the French and US during wartime at Phu Quocprison, including former President Truong Tan Sang, gathered on April 6 to recalltheir shared memories of the heroic past.
The get-together took place at the old prison,which has become a national historical relic site in An Thoi town, on Phu Quocisland in the southern province of Kien Giang.
During the wars of resistance againstFrench colonialists and US imperialists, about 40,000 Vietnameserevolutionaries were detained and tortured in the Phu Quoc prison, of whom some4,000 lost their lives there. The survivors were released after the 1973signing of the Paris Peace Accords on ending the war and restoring peace inVietnam, which ruled the return of all prisoners of war.
Deputy Chairman of the Kien Giang People’sCommittee Mai Van Huynh stressed the revolutionaries at Phu Quoc prison are agood example to educate the younger generation about patriotism.
Before their gathering, participantsvisited the local martyrs' cemetery, paying tribute to fallen soldiers.-VNA
An additional 14 historical, architectural and archaeological relics nationwide have been listed as special national relic sites under the Prime Minister’s decision.
State President Truong Tan Sang attended a gathering of the Vietnam Liaison Committee for Former Prisoners of War and representatives from its provincial counterparts in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam visited and presented gifts to national revolutionary contributors in Kon Tum on July 24 on the occasion of the 70th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947).
The event, the 12th of its kind jointly, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and Chris Geyskens, Chairwoman of the Belgium chapter of the Hoi An – Vietnam Association for Victims of AO/Dioxin.
The Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school has positioned itself as a prestigious education establishment, nurturing generations of Vietnamese and Lao students while preserving Vietnamese culture and language as well as strengthening the special bonds between the two countries
For households of people with meritorious service and relatives of fallen soldiers, the province supported the construction and renovation of 2,374 houses, achieving 100% of the set target, 342 newly built and 2,032 renovated.
Held under the theme “Pride and Aspiration”, this year's “Glory to Vietnam” programme aimed to inspire the Vietnamese people's ambition to reach new heights during the era of integration and development.
According to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRC), this year’s campaign provided long-term aid for 3,785 individuals and organisations. Support included houses, clean water systems, school meal facilities, books, and livelihood assistance, with a total value of more than 118 billion VND.
The programmes have brought about positive changes to rural infrastructure, comprehensively improved the material and spiritual lives of farmers, and contributed to Vietnam's economic restructuring, said PM Pham Minh Chinh.
The festival highlighted the contributions and robust development of Vietnam's revolutionary press over the past century while promoting press products and showcasing the creativity of Vietnamese journalists.
The programme on sustainable poverty reduction has achieved its annual targets for reducing the poverty rate as assigned by the National Assembly and the Government. It has fulfilled five specific objectives and five five-year goals, and met nine out of 12 indicators related to addressing basic social service shortages.
UNICEF stands ready to support the Government in implementing this important law and in continuing to invest in teachers as the cornerstone of a resilient, inclusive, and high-quality education system for all children.
PM Pham Minh Chinh highlighted how Vietnam's revolutionary press has continuously evolved and strengthened over the past century, affirming its role as a sharp and vital political, cultural, and ideological weapon serving the Fatherland and the people in the glorious revolutionary cause of the Party.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers.
In Vietnam’s case, she said, President Ho Chi Minh demonstrated his strategic vision by founding the revolutionary press a century ago. The late leader understood the press's role not only as a means to reflect the country’s realities but also as a powerful tool to strengthen national unity and inspire the resistance wars and national construction process.
In recent interviews granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporters in Mexico, prominent figures reflected on the press’s legacy and its global influence.
VietnamPlus e-newspaper of the VNA clinched an A prize in the “Outstanding Press Product” category for its immersive 3D multimedia project, “Epic of Reunification,” a groundbreaking blend of storytelling and technology. The VNA won another A prize for its eye-catching exhibition booth.
Today, the press for foreign service has evolved into a distinct, irreplaceable force, bridging Vietnam with the world and portraying a nation that is stable, peace-loving, and fully integrated into the international community.
At a review conference held on June 21, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh praised the province’s scientific, coordinated, and flexible approach. He noted that the early completion reflects the strong commitment of local authorities, the business community, philanthropists, and residents in improving housing conditions for disadvantaged groups.
The VNA delegation, led by General Director Vu Viet Trang, actively participated in the event, engaging in both professional and diplomatic activities.
In the context where AI dominates and produces vast volumes of content, the only sustainable path forward for journalism is to focus on high-quality content and core values. Journalism must redefine its mission - not to report the fastest, but to provide the most profound and trustworthy value.
Granma and the VNA have great potential for cooperation, especially in sharing content regularly, so that VNA products are published on Granma platforms and vice versa, thereby helping Cuban and Vietnamese people access true information and gain a deep understanding of each other's country and people.
Former President Truong Tan Sang (L) and former war prisoners paid tribute to fallen soldiers in Phu Quoc martyrs' cemetery. (Photo: VNA) 
