Hanoi advances national memorial and martyrs' cemetery upgrades

9:33 PM, Sat June 06, 2026

The Hanoi People's Committee Office has issued Notice No. 482/TB-VP, dated June 6, 2026, outlining conclusions and directives from Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang regarding three key tasks: (1) construction of a national-level memorial honoring martyrs and people who rendered service to the nation; (2) implementation of the "500-Day Campaign for the Search, Recovery, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains"; and (3) renovation, upgrading, and repair of martyrs' graves, along with restoration of memorial sites dedicated to martyrs across the city.

According to the notice, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang emphasized that the construction of a national memorial honoring martyrs and individuals who contributed to the revolution carries exceptional political, historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.

The project is envisioned as a landmark of national stature, reflecting Vietnam's tradition of gratitude and remembrance while paying tribute to martyrs and revolutionary contributors. It is also expected to become a cultural symbol for both Hanoi and the nation as Vietnam marks the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2027).

The city has approved, in principle, further research and proposals for the memorial project. Site selection must take into account historical and cultural value, landscape and architectural quality, transportation connectivity, and accessibility for both residents and international visitors wishing to pay their respects.

The Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture has been assigned to lead, in coordination with the Department of Construction, the Department of Home Affairs, and relevant agencies, a review of planning schemes and potential locations. The assessment will cover planning requirements, architectural and landscape considerations, transportation links, infrastructure connectivity, land availability, and the project's long-term development orientation.

The Department of Home Affairs will work with the Department of Planning and Architecture, the Department of Construction, the Department of Culture and Sports, and other relevant agencies to study the project's model, scale, functions, and political, historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. The department will also advise on consultations with central government agencies, experts, scientists, and related organizations.

Regarding the "500-Day Campaign for the Search, Recovery, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains," the Hanoi Capital Command, serving as the standing agency, has been tasked with leading implementation in coordination with the Department of Home Affairs, Hanoi Police, and other relevant units. A detailed action plan will be developed with clearly defined responsibilities for agencies, local authorities, and participating organizations.

Authorities are also instructed to strengthen public outreach and encourage organizations and individuals to provide information supporting the search, recovery, and identification of martyrs' remains. Coordination with central agencies on DNA sampling and testing will be enhanced to ensure that recovery and reburial activities are conducted solemnly, in accordance with regulations and local customs. Representatives of the Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will be invited to join the steering committee or related working groups.

Communal and ward-level People's Committees are required to issue plans for surveying martyrs' graves, conduct field assessments, compile findings, and submit reports to the city's steering committee by June 10, 2026.

Regarding the renovation, upgrading, and repair of martyrs' graves and memorial sites, the Department of Home Affairs will lead a review of conditions at the city's major martyrs' cemeteries, including Mai Dich Martyrs' Cemetery, Nhon Martyrs' Cemetery, and Ngoc Hoi Martyrs' Cemetery. The department will propose comprehensive renovation plans to improve technical infrastructure, ceremonial spaces, parking facilities, landscaping, greenery, and environmental conditions.

The department will also oversee and monitor renovation efforts at martyrs' cemeteries managed by communes and wards, consolidate progress reports, and regularly update the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee.

The Department of Construction, the Department of Finance, the People's Committee of Tay Tuu Ward, and the People's Committee of Thanh Tri Commune have been instructed to coordinate with the Department of Home Affairs to accelerate administrative procedures and secure funding for investment projects at city-level martyrs' cemeteries. All projects are expected to be completed before April 30, 2027.

Meanwhile, communal and ward-level authorities have been directed to urgently review and assess the condition of all martyrs' cemeteries under their management and develop plans for renovation, repair, and upgrading in accordance with decentralized management responsibilities.