HCM CITY (VNS) – A memorial service for revolutionary heroine Vo Thi Thang was held in HCM City on Saturday, with Party and State leaders paying floral tributes to her dedication during the American war in Viet Nam.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung conveyed their condolences to her family.
Thang passed away in HCM City last Friday at the age of 69.
She will be laid to rest in her hometown in the southern province of Long An today.
At the age of 11, Thang worked as a courier. Several years later, she helped to build political establishments in preparation for the 1968 General Offensive and Uprising.
After unsuccessfully attempting to assassinate a secret agent, Thang was arrested and tortured. Upon receiving a 20-year jail sentence, she remained calm and flashed a smile.
A Japanese photojournalist snapped the moment and named the photo Nu cuoi chien thang (Triumphant smile), which later became an inspiration for writers and artists at home and abroad.
Thang held positions as a member of the Party Central Committee for the 9th and 10th tenures, National Assembly deputy for the 9th, 10th and 11th tenures, General Director of the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, Chairwoman of the Viet Nam-Cuba Friendship Association, and Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Women’s Association.
She was awarded the Order of Independence, second class; the Order of Labour, first class; the Order of American War in Viet Nam and National Salvation, first class; the Cuba Friendship Order; and a badge marking her 40-year Party membership. – VNS
Đăng ký: VietNam News
