On July 25, during the national day of mourning for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, people from all across Vietnam expressed their sorrow in their own ways. At the National Funeral Home, his hometown in Dong Anh, and at the memorial service in Ho Chi Minh City, mourners shared stories of a humble and dedicated leader, known for his integrity and service to the nation.

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Mrs. Doan Thi Ngoc Loan cannot hold back her tears while waiting to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Dinh Hieu

Among the crowd was Doan Thi Ngoc Loan (65), a member of the Veterans' Association from Phuc Xuyen Village, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi. She said, with tears in her eyes, "Since hearing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing, it feels like losing a family member." She had traveled a day earlier and stayed nearby to ensure she could pay her respects.

At Lai Da Village's communal house in Dong Hoi, Dong Anh District, Hanoi, the General Secretary's hometown, people lined up early in the morning to maintain order and wait their turn to honor him.

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Queue of mourners. Photo: Hoang Hiep

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People lining up to pay their respects at the hometown of General Secretary. Photo: Hoang Hiep 
 

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Among the people lining up to pay their respects in the Party Chief's hometown, some could not hold back their tears, mourning the General Secretary. Photo: Tung Doan

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Mrs. Dao Thi Viet Anh, 52, currently working at the Social Insurance Office in Thu Duc City, HCMC, said that Ho Chi Minh City also organized a memorial for the General Secretary. However, upon reading that people were allowed to pay respects in Hanoi, she booked a flight. She arrived at Noi Bai Airport at midnight of July 24, stayed at a friend's house, and at 5am on July 25, she was at Le Thanh Tong Street, hoping to pay her respects at the National Funeral Hall.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the memorial service was held at Thong Nhat Hall, where people began arriving as early as 4 a.m.

Ha Thi Hoa from Thu Duc District shared her feelings: "Since learning of his passing, I haven't been able to sleep. I admired him for his simplicity, sincerity, and dedication to the nation." Although the public was scheduled to pay respects starting at 1 p.m., she wanted to come early to ensure she had a chance.

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Ms. Ha Thi Hoa (from Thu Duc District) and her family members arrived at Thong Nhat Hall at 4am to wait to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Nguyen Hue

Le Thi Kim Cuong, 63, from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her sorrow: "We received the news of his passing while with a group of over 60 people. Everyone was in disbelief and deeply saddened."

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Mrs. Kim Cuong expressed: "All his life, Mr. Trong dedicated himself to the country and the people. Therefore, I want to spend time here to bid him a final farewell." Photo: Nguyen Hue

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People lining up to enter the Independence Palace to pay respects to General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: Nguyen Hue

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Delegations lining up at Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City, waiting to pay their respects. Photo: Nguyen Hue

Dinh Hieu - Hoang Hiep - Tung Doan - Nguyen Hue - Thanh Hue