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The 2026 Festival for Peace is held under the theme “From memory to the future - Quang Tri for Peace.” (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang, leaders of central ministries, agencies, and local authorities, representatives of international organizations, and a large number of residents and visitors.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang emphasized that, for the Vietnamese people, peace is both an enduring aspiration and a sacred value attained through the immense sacrifices and bloodshed of previous generations. On the land of Quang Tri - home to enduring reminders of the devastation of war, including the Ben Hai River, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, and the national martyrs’ cemeteries, people are reminded even more profoundly of the value of peace and feel ever greater gratitude toward those who devoted their youth and lives to the country's independence, freedom, and reunification.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that, at a time when the world continues to face conflicts, instability, and global challenges, the message “Quang Tri for peace” carries even greater contemporary significance. Vietnam remains steadfast in pursuing its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development; being a friend, a trustworthy partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community. At the same time, the country continues working with other nations to promote dialogue, strengthen cooperation, uphold international law, and join hands in building a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developed world.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang delivers remarks at the opening ceremony. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

Commending Quang Tri Province's initiative to develop the Festival for Peace into a cultural event of national stature with growing international influence, the Deputy Prime Minister said that Quang Tri, once a land devastated by war, is now becoming a symbol of peace, friendship, and the aspiration for development. This is not only a source of pride for the province but also an image of a peace-loving Vietnam that knows how to close the past and look toward the future.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the ringing of the Bell of peace wishes across the Hien Luong-Ben Hai area inspires in everyone a sense of confidence and responsibility to preserve peace through dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and compassion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee Le Hong Vinh said that, thanks to its uniquely strategic geopolitical location, Quảng Trị preserves many sacred memories of the years of fierce war. Once serving as the demarcation line dividing the country, the province is home to places that have become enduring symbols of patriotism, resilience, and the aspiration for peace, including the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the Hien Luong-Ben Hai Banks, Route 9, Khe Sanh, Victory Route 20, and Con Tien-Doc Mieu.

According to the provincial leader, what makes Quang Tri truly special today is not only its glorious history but also its remarkable capacity for renewal. Rising from the ruins of war, the province has gradually overcome its painful past, united to rebuild, and achieved strong development. Quang Tri's story is also Vietnam's story - a nation steadfast in its struggle for independence while consistently upholding compassion, goodwill, tolerance, and the ability to overcome differences in pursuit of cooperation and development.

Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee Le Hong Vinh. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

The opening ceremony featured a meticulously choreographed artistic program with several highlights, most notably the Bell of peace wishes ringing ceremony. In the sacred setting along the banks of the Ben Hai River, the resonant sound of the bell served as both a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for peace and an expression of the aspiration for a united, humane, and sustainably developed world.

Immediately following the opening ceremony was a special art performance carefully crafted in both content and presentation, combining modern performance technology with innovative artistic expression. The three chapters - “The flow of memory,” “The light of peace,” and “A world in harmony”, recounted the journey from the memories of war to the aspiration for peace, honoring the values of reconciliation while connecting the past with the present and the future.

According to the Organizing Committee, the 2026 Festival for Peace will take place throughout the year, featuring a wide range of large-scale cultural, artistic, and sporting events, including the Cycling for Peace Festival; a Trinh Cong Son music night themed “Mother: A Legend”; a candle-lighting ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, together with a floating lantern ceremony on the Thach Han River on July 26; a Hot Air Balloon Festival in November; and a National Concert in December. The festival will also include a series of accompanying events such as the Quang Tri Amazing Marathon International Marathon, the Phong Nha Wild Trail, a painting exhibition by artist Le Ba Đang, and activities commemorating the 100th anniversary of Khe Sanh Coffee.

The program attracted the participation of a large number of local residents. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

Prior to the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang and the central government delegation laid flowers and offered incense in tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Special National Relic Site, the Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, and the Route 9 National Martyrs Cemetery, expressing profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

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