A state funeral will be held for former Politburo member and former President Tran Duc Luong who passes away in Hanoi on May 20
The Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front have announced a state funeral for former President Tran Duc Luong, who passed away on May 20 at the age of 88.
According to a special communique released on May 22, his coffin will lie in state at the National Funeral Hall in Hanoi for visitation from 7:00 AM on May 24 to 7:00 AM on May 25.
The memorial service will be solemnly held at 7:00 AM on May 25 and the burial will take place at 3:00 PM on the same day in his hometown cemetery in Pho Khanh commune, Duc Pho town, Quang Ngai province in the central region.
Simultaneous visitation and memorial ceremonies will also be held at the Thong Nhat (Reunification) Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and the T50 Hall of the Military Command of Quang Ngai province.
Vietnam Television (VTV) and Voice of Vietnam (VOV) will provide live coverage of the visitation, memorial, and burial ceremonies in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Quang Ngai province.
During the two days of national mourning (May 24 and 25), all government offices, public institutions, and places of business are to fly the national flag at half-mast and suspend all festive and entertainment activities in honour of the former President.
Luong, former member of the Politburo, former President of Vietnam, former Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council, was born on May 5, 1937. He hailed from Pho Khanh commune, Duc Pho district (now Duc Pho town), Quang Ngai province, and resided in Ba Dinh sistrict, Hanoi.
He joined the revolutionary movement in February 1955 and became a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam on December 19, 1959. He served as a member of the Party Central Committee for terms V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX; a member of the Politburo for terms VIII and IX; a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo for term VIII; Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers from February 1987 to September 1992; Deputy Prime Minister from October 1992 to August 1997; President of Vietnam and Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council for terms X and XI; and was a National Assembly deputy for terms VII, VIII, X, and XI.
After a long illness, despite the devoted care and treatment by the Party, State, professors, doctors, and family, he passed away at 22:51 on May 20 at his residence, at the age of 88.
Throughout more than 50 years of revolutionary activity, the former Politburo member and former President made significant contributions to the glorious cause of the Party and the nation. He was honoured with the Gold Star Order, and the 65-year Party Membership Badge, along with many other medals, awards, and distinguished titles.
His passing is a tremendous loss to the Party, the State, the people, and his family, says the special communique.
To honour and commemorate the former president, the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee have decided to hold a state funeral for him.
