The memorial service for former President Tran Duc Luong was solemnly held today with a state funeral at the National Funeral Hall, 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi.

His coffin was placed at the National Funeral Hall from 7:00 AM on May 24 until 7:00 AM on May 25. The memorial service took place at 7:00 AM on May 25, and the burial followed at 3:00 PM the same day at his hometown cemetery in Pho Khanh commune, Duc Pho town, Quang Ngai province.

Simultaneously, memorial services were held at the Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City and at Hall T50 of the Quang Ngai Provincial Military Command, 142 Le Trung Dinh Street, Quang Ngai City.

The funeral committee comprised 34 members, chaired by President Luong Cuong. Other key members included Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, and Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu.

The funeral organization committee included 25 members and was headed by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.

Former President Tran Duc Luong passed away at 10:51 PM on May 20, 2025, at his home due to advanced age and declining health, at the age of 88.

He was born in 1937 in Pho Khanh commune, Duc Pho district, Quang Ngai province. He was a geologist and an honorary professor at the Russian Academy of Sciences (since 2001), a standing member of the 8th Politburo, a Politburo member of the 9th term, and a Central Committee member for five consecutive terms from the 5th (alternate) to the 9th. He also served as a National Assembly deputy in the 7th, 8th, and 10th terms.

Before becoming Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers in 1987, he served as Deputy Chairman and later Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Science and Technology. He served a full term as Deputy Prime Minister starting in 1992 and was elected President for two terms, from September 1997 to June 2006.

Mourning process highlights:

The Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, led by President Luong Cuong, paid tribute. The Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense delegation was headed by General Phan Van Giang, joined by Lieutenant General Trinh Van Quyet, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, and other senior military leaders.

The Central Public Security Party Committee and Ministry of Public Security were represented by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To and senior officials.

At Thong Nhat Hall in Ho Chi Minh City, a delegation led by City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen paid their respects, alongside Deputy Secretary Nguyen Thanh Nghi and City Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc. A delegation from Hanoi led by Party Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai and from Quang Ngai province led by Provincial Party Secretary Bui Thi Quynh Van also participated.

The National Assembly delegation, led by Chairman Tran Thanh Man, included former National Assembly Chairs Nguyen Sinh Hung and Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Vice Chairpersons, Standing Committee members, and deputies.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man wrote in the memorial book, expressing deep condolences and honoring former President Luong's contributions to the revolution and his unwavering loyalty to the Party.

The Government delegation, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, honored former President Luong’s economic reforms and efforts to modernize Vietnam’s management system.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described him in the condolence book as “a steadfast and visionary leader” and “a lifelong contributor to the revolutionary cause,” emphasizing his practical leadership style and dedication.

President Luong Cuong led the delegation from the Presidential Office, accompanied by former Presidents Truong Tan Sang, Nguyen Minh Triet, and Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan. He highlighted former President Luong’s legacy in legal reform, public administration, and foreign diplomacy, noting his calm, intellectual, and principled persona on the international stage.

President Luong Cuong remarked in the memorial book that former President Tran Duc Luong was a “devoted servant of the nation and people,” whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

The Communist Party Central Committee delegation, led by General Secretary To Lam, included President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman Tran Thanh Man. They extended their condolences to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Vinh and family.

In the memorial book, General Secretary To Lam called him “a loyal communist, dedicated leader, and outstanding son of heroic Quang Ngai,” praising his integrity, simplicity, and revolutionary spirit.

The memorial began with an announcement by Colonel Nguyen Trung Tam, Political Commissar of the Military Ceremony Unit. Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh read the official funeral statement and biography of the late president.

Local ceremonies were held at Hall T50, the cultural center of Duc Pho town, and the People's Committee Hall in Pho Khanh.

The family delegation, led by his wife Nguyen Thi Vinh, brought a wreath that read: “From wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - heartfelt sorrow.”

Heavy rain marked the morning in Hanoi, coinciding with the national day of mourning. Security forces were present early to manage traffic and logistics. Tents were erected to shelter attendees at the National Funeral Hall. Government offices and public sites, including Ben Nha Rong and Thu Ngu Flagpole, flew flags at half-mast.

To facilitate the ceremony, road restrictions were enforced in Hanoi from 6:00 AM on May 24 to 10:30 AM on May 25. Access was limited on roads surrounding the funeral hall and throughout the route to Noi Bai International Airport.