VietNamNet Bridge - About 90 percent of deputies to the National Assembly on March 23 voted for a bill to give workers and public employees an extra holiday to mark the anniversary of the death of the Hung Kings.

The 18 generations of the Hong Bang dynasty are believed to be the fore-fathers of Vietnam and under a report by the NA Executive Committee is a festival that bolsters Vietnamese cultural identity.

The symbolic date falls on the 10th day of the third lunar month.

"It's good for people to spend the whole day in celebrating the anniversary as an expression of their gratitude to their national ancestors," said the top legislature in explaining the amendment to article 73 of the Labour Code.

Temples dedicated to the Hung Kings are abundant nationwide and commemorations of their death always draw crowds of people, including overseas Vietnamese.

Chairman of the National Assembly Office Bui Ngoc Thanh said the amendment made in the context of the booming economy will help to promote patriotism.

He also said recent surveys have shown overwhelming agreement among enterprises to allow workers a day off to celebrate the anniversary.

The National Assembly will consider a report on the issue by the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

Should the National Assembly approve the bill, public holidays in VietNam will number nine in total.

(Source: VNA)