A Brief History and Overview
Mai Dịch Cemetery (located in Hanoi) was established in 1956 and spans 5.9 hectares. It serves as the final resting place for numerous high-ranking officials and individuals who have made significant contributions to Vietnam.
Situated along Há»" Tùng Máºu Street, Mai Dịch Ward, Cầu Giấy District, the cemetery is easily accessible from National Highway 32, leading towards SÆ¡n Tây Town.
A Final Resting Place for Vietnam's Leaders
The cemetery has been a prominent location for the burial of esteemed individuals. It played a vital role during the war against France, becoming a central repository for fallen soldiers. It was later expanded to accommodate the burial of prominent government officials, including General Secretaries, Presidents, Chairpersons of the National Assembly, Prime Ministers, and other influential figures.
Notably, the funeral of General Secretary Nguyá»…n Phú Trá»ng will be conducted with national mourning ceremonies over two days, July 25th and 26th, 2024, following which he will be interred at Mai Dịch Cemetery.
Expanding and Modernizing Mai Dịch Cemetery
In 1982, the cemetery underwent a comprehensive renovation and restructuring, creating designated areas for the burial of high-ranking officials. The cemetery's infrastructure was further enhanced between 1993 and 1995, with significant investment from the Hanoi People's Committee.
Currently, Mai Dịch Cemetery houses the remains of 1,224 fallen soldiers and hundreds of high-ranking officials, with well-defined designated areas for each category.
Notable Burial Sites and Key Features
The cemetery features a prominent entrance, leading to the burial plots of former Politburo members, including TrÆ°á»ng Chinh, Lê Duẩn, Phạm Văn Äá»"ng, Phạm Hùng, and Tá»' Hữu.
Other designated areas include sections for military and police generals, as well as areas dedicated to renowned artists, such as Nguyá»…n Äình Thi, Huy Cáºn, Phạm Huy Thông, and Trần Hoà n.
Future Expansion and Modernization Plans
In December 2013, the Hanoi People's Committee approved a plan to expand and modernize Mai Dịch Cemetery. This initiative includes an expansion of 3,000 square meters with an investment of over 70 billion Vietnamese Dong. The expansion will accommodate an additional 500 burial plots for both soldiers and high-ranking officials.
Criteria for Burial at Mai Dịch Cemetery
According to the Vietnamese Government's Decree No. 105/2012/NÄ-CP, individuals eligible for burial at Mai Dịch Cemetery include:
- Central Committee members and above
- Individuals awarded the Há»" Chà Minh Prize in science, culture, literature, or poetry
- Outstanding military and police generals
- National heroes of the armed forces
Modernization and Improvement Efforts
The cemetery is undergoing a comprehensive modernization program, including the renovation of burial plots for soldiers, with new brickwork and red-tiled flooring. High-ranking official burial plots are being upgraded with Terazzo tiles for pathways.
The cemetery is also implementing improvements to drainage systems, flower gardens, pathways, seating areas, lighting, and landscaping to create more inviting and well-maintained spaces.
Proposed Locations for a New Mai Dịch Cemetery
The Ministry of Construction has proposed two potential locations for the construction of a new Mai Dịch Cemetery in Cầu Giấy District:
- A site near the expanded Yên Kỳ Cemetery in Ba Vì District, approximately 60 kilometers west of Hanoi, accessible via National Highway 32. This location offers potential cost savings for initial infrastructure development.
- An area in Yên Trung Commune, Thạch Thất District, about 50 kilometers west of Hanoi, accessible via the extended Thăng Long Boulevard, connecting to Hòa Bình City.
Summary
Mai Dịch Cemetery in Hanoi plays a vital role in honoring the memory of Vietnam's heroes and leaders. It has undergone significant expansion and modernization over the years, ensuring a dignified resting place for those who served the nation. With plans for a new cemetery, the legacy of Mai Dịch will continue to hold historical and cultural significance for generations to come.