At 6 AM on April 30, all temples and monastic establishments across Vietnam will ring three rounds of bells and bat drums, chanting prayers for national peace and directing merit towards those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for independence and reunification.

The Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has issued Official Dispatch No. 162 regarding the display of the national flag and the ceremonial ringing of bells and drums to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

The dispatch, signed by Elder Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon, Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Council of Certifying Patriarchs, was sent to the Executive Boards of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in provinces and cities, as well as to all temples and monastic establishments across the country.

The document states: "The Great Victory of the Spring of 1975 was a monumental triumph in the millennia-long history of our nation's struggles to build and defend the country. It was a victory of justice and the crystallization of the strength of national unity. Buddhist monks, nuns, and followers of Vietnam Buddhism made significant contributions and sacrifices toward this great victory."

The Standing Committee of the Executive Council requests that the Executive Boards of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in all provinces and cities, and all temples and monastic establishments nationwide, conduct the following ceremonies.

Display the national flag at the headquarters of all Buddhist Executive Boards and at temples and monastic establishments across the country.

Display welcoming banners, such as: "Warmly celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025)" and "Buddhism - Nation - Socialism."

At exactly 6 AM on April 30, all temples and monastic establishments across the country will ring three rounds of bells and bat drums, chant prayers for national peace and prosperity, and dedicate merit for the heroic martyrs and all who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for national independence and reunification.

In addition, the Executive Boards of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in all provinces and cities, as well as temples and monastic establishments nationwide, will organize visits and present gifts to Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, wounded and sick soldiers, and families with contributions to the revolution.

Binh Minh