From Con Dao, a Message of Peace and Hope

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The activities carried profound political, historical, and humanitarian significance, contributing to honoring heroic martyrs, revolutionary soldiers, political prisoners, and patriotic compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom. At the same time, the program conveyed messages of peace, friendship, and aspirations for sustainable development amid ongoing global instability and conflicts.

As part of the program, the delegation attended incense and flower offering ceremonies in commemoration at Hang Duong Cemetery; participated in the “Peace wishes” ceremony at the Pier 914 Historical Site; attended the opening ceremony of the “Lotus in stone” exhibition; along with many other meaningful activities.

Uong Chu Luu led the delegation in offering incense at Hang Duong Cemetery. (Photo: My Le).

Delivering the Peace Message at the “Peace wishes” ceremony held on the afternoon of May 12 at Pier 914, Uong Chu Luu emphasized that the event was not merely a commemorative ritual, but also “a meeting point of history, national memory, and the aspiration for peace.”

According to Uong Chu Luu, Pier 914 stands as a special historical testament to patriotism and the immense sacrifices made by previous generations for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. The number “914” has become a symbol of the hundreds and thousands of outstanding sons and daughters of the nation who perished in Con Dao prison. The blood and tears of revolutionary soldiers and patriotic Vietnamese merged with the sea and sky of Con Dao to compose the immortal epic of the Vietnamese nation.

Uong Chu Luu attended the opening ceremony of the “Lotus in Stone” Exhibition at the Con Dao Museum. (Photo: My Le).

From this land steeped in suffering yet radiant with an indomitable spirit, the message of peace was voiced with the depth of history and a sense of responsibility toward the future. Uong Chu Luu affirmed that the Vietnamese nation is peace-loving, but in order to achieve peace, the Vietnamese people endured countless wars, losses, and sacrifices. For that reason, Vietnam deeply understands the sacred value of peace, independence, and the right to live in freedom and happiness.

At a time when the world continues to face conflicts and divisions, the message from Con Dao carries profound contemporary significance. According to Uong Chu Luu, humanity today needs dialogue instead of confrontation, solidarity instead of hatred, and compassion, sharing, and a collective sense of responsibility to safeguard sustainable peace for future generations.

Uong Chu Luu delivered the Peace Message at the “Peace Wishes” Ceremony at Pier 914, Con Dao. (Photo: My Le).

The moment white doves were released into the skies of Con Dao during the “Peace Wishes” Ceremony was not merely symbolic, but also conveyed aspirations for a world of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. From the sacred Pier 914, participants pledged to continue the Vietnamese nation’s traditions of patriotism and humanity, while further nurturing solidarity and friendship among peoples.

The “Heritage and Peace Journey” 2026 in Con Dao served as an occasion to honor history, educate younger generations about the tradition of gratitude and remembrance, and reaffirm Vietnam’s role and responsibility in promoting a culture of peace and strengthening solidarity and friendship between the Vietnamese people and peoples around the world.

From Con Dao - once marked by the devastating pain of war - today’s message of peace becomes ever more sacred and far-reaching: peace is not something naturally attained, but an achievement won through immense sacrifice; and preserving peace remains the shared responsibility of every nation, every people, and every peace-loving individual across the world.

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