The ceremony in Hanoi began at 8 p.m., but many residents were at the site early. Dao Thi Hanh, 72 said she lived near the Thong Nhat Park where the ceremony was held, so she’d gone there to light incense for the departed souls.
The main ceremony took place at the Thong Nhat Park with about 300 people, including families of those who died from Covid-19.
Among those attending the ceremony was Vo Dang Thanh, 49, whose mother was a Covid-19 victim. Thanh’s mother had diabetes and her condition turned worse after she contracted the virus. She passed away after 48 days of treatment.
“As a son, my heart is broken. I cry every time I miss her. There are so many things that I haven’t been able to do for her,” said an emotional Thanh.
Nguyen Van Trong, 37, sat in the last row with his daughter. Two months ago, Covid-19 took his wife away, when she was five months pregnant.
“I still can’t believe that my wife and my unborn child are gone. She has left me and my daughter. I hope that no one will have to suffer the same pain,” Trong said.
In front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, many residents left candles and flowers at the foot of the Virgin Mary statue and prayed for the departed soul. The cathedral rang its bell for five minutes as a tribute.
Dang Thi Hong An, 40, left a bouquet of lilies at the statue. Her aunt died of Covid-19 in August.
“I just want this pandemic to end soon, my family members to stay healthy and that no one has to die anymore,” An said.
Vo Thi My Dung and her family contracted Covid-19 in August. Her husband hadn’t got vaccinated then, so his condition turned worse and he succumbed to the disease. The family prepared an altar, lit incense as well as candles, remembering a husband and a father.
“Happiness or suffering, it’s our choice. My children and I need to heal our wounds and move on,” Dung said.
