Revolutionary heroine passes away

A memorial service for revolutionary heroine Vo Thi Thang was solemnly held in HCM City on August 23, with Party and State leaders paying floral tributes to her dedication during the anti-US war.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung conveyed their deep condolences to her family.

Thang passed away in Ho Chi Minh City on August 22 at the age of 69.

She will be laid in rest in her hometown in Ben Luc district, the southern province of Long An on August 25.

At the age of 11, Thang worked as a mail carrier. Several years later, she joined in building political establishments as a preparation for the 1968 General Offensive and Uprising.

After unsuccessfully attempting to assassinate a secret agent, Thang was arrested and tortured. Upon receiving a 20-year jail sentence, she remained calm and flashed a smile.

A Japanese photojournalist snapped such moment and named the photo as "Triumphant smile", which later became an inspiration for writers and artists at home and abroad.

Thang took the positions as member of the Party Central Committee for the 9th and 10th tenure, National Assembly deputy for the 9th, 10th and 11th tenure, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Chairwoman of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, and Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Women's Association.