War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (Remembrance Day) in Vietnam Date in the current year: July 27, 2026

The history of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day can be traced back to the First Indochina War, when the newly established Democratic Republic of Vietnam fought the French colonial forces for independence. As casualties increased, the Ho Chi Minh-led government sought to recognize wounded soldiers who contributed to the struggle for independence and support their families.

Several organizations were established in 1946 to provide assistance to wounded servicemen and the families of those who died in combat. In June 1947, representatives from government agencies, military organizations, youth organizations, women’s organizations, and local authorities gathered in Hùng Sơn for a rally to determine a national day to honor the wounded. They unanimously chose July 27 as National War Invalids Day, a decision that received full support from Ho Chi Minh.

After the war ended, Vietnam was partitioned into North and South Vietnam. North Vietnam’s government continued to observe National War Invalids Day, expanding its scope and renaming the holiday War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day to honor not only wounded veterans, but also those who died in military service or the revolutionary struggle.

As the Vietnam War between North and South Vietnam and their respective allies escalated, the observance became increasingly significant. However, South Vietnam did not observe July 27 as War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day because the holiday was associated with the government of North Vietnam in Hanoi. Instead, South Vietnam developed its own system for honoring military casualties and veterans.

The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, lasted almost twenty years. It officially began on November 1, 1955, and ended with the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Both North and South Vietnam suffered considerable casualties and losses. It is estimated that between 860,000 and 1.9 million people died in the war, including both military and civilian casualties in North and South Vietnam.

Following the end of hostilities and the official reunification of Vietnam in 1976, War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day became a nationwide observance. The government further expanded the scope to include individuals officially recognized for “meritorious service to the revolution”, encompassing not only war veterans and martyrs, but also resistance fighters, former political prisoners, youth volunteers, and civilians who contributed during wartime. These categories are officially codified in Vietnamese law.

Throughout Vietnam, War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day is marked with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at military cemeteries and war memorials, exhibitions, cultural performances, charitable activities, and volunteer efforts to clean and restore war cemeteries. Special events are held at schools and government institutions.