Dong Thap Holds Solemn Memorial and Burial Ceremony for 68 Fallen Soldiers

(DTO) Marking the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2026), the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee on the morning of July 9 solemnly held a memorial and burial ceremony for the remains of 68 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives during wartime in Cambodia and at home. The ceremony took place at the Tam Nong Martyrs' Cemetery in Phu Tho Commune.

Attending the ceremony were Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly; Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Minh, Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army and member of the National Steering Committee for the Search, Recovery and Identification of Fallen Soldiers' Remains; along with leaders of central ministries and agencies.

Representing Dong Thap Province were former provincial leaders; Mr. Nguyen Van Muoi, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Commission; Major General Tran Minh Trang, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Commander of the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command; Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Huynh Minh Tuan, Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 515; leaders of provincial departments, agencies, the armed forces, and a large number of martyrs' relatives.

Representing the Kingdom of Cambodia were Mr. Khui Ry Da, Governor of Pursat Province, and Mr. Pich Sot Tha Rot, Deputy Governor of Prey Veng Province.

In a solemn and reverent atmosphere, delegates observed a minute of silence and offered flowers and incense in tribute to the heroic martyrs who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for national liberation, national defense, and the fulfillment of Vietnam's noble international mission.

The memorial ceremony reflected the profound gratitude of the Party, the State, the armed forces and the people toward those who devoted and sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence and freedom, while reaffirming the longstanding friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Under the agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Royal Government of Cambodia, and in accordance with the coordinated plan of the two countries' Special Working Committees, with support from the authorities, armed forces and people of Prey Veng and Pursat provinces, together with the unwavering determination of officers and soldiers of Team K91 under the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command, search and recovery forces located and recovered 68 sets of martyrs' remains during the 2025–2026 dry season. Of these, 47 sets were recovered in Cambodia and 21 sets were recovered domestically.

Delivering the eulogy, Vice Chairman Huynh Minh Tuan expressed profound respect and gratitude to the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland and while carrying out Vietnam's noble international mission in the Kingdom of Cambodia. He emphasized that although the war has long ended, the search and recovery of fallen soldiers' remains has never ceased. Vietnam has consistently regarded this work as a special mission—"a mandate from the heart"—reflecting the nation's enduring traditions of gratitude and remembrance, embodying the principles of "When drinking water, remember its source" and "Repaying gratitude."

"Every set of martyrs' remains recovered marks a homecoming after decades of waiting; a sacred reunion between the nation's sons and their Fatherland; and a source of comfort for their families, comrades and people across the country. It also stands as vivid testimony to the solidarity, friendship and sincere cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, nurtured through the sacrifices of generations," Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan said.

He affirmed that the Fatherland had once sent these soldiers on their mission with unwavering confidence in victory, and today welcomed them home with profound sorrow and boundless gratitude. Their sacrifices helped safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty, fulfill Vietnam's noble international obligations, assist the Cambodian people in overcoming the genocide, revitalizing their nation, and strengthening the enduring friendship between the two peoples.

Due to the devastating conditions of war and the passage of time, the identities of the 68 recovered martyrs have yet to be determined. Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan stated that wherever their hometowns may be, Dong Thap will always be their homeland, where they may rest in peace surrounded by the love and gratitude of the Party organization, authorities and people of the province. He also reaffirmed the province's commitment to effectively implementing the "500-Day Campaign to Accelerate the Search, Recovery and Identification of Fallen Soldiers' Remains," caring for martyrs' graves, educating younger generations about patriotism and gratitude, and resolutely bringing more of the nation's fallen heroes back to their families, hometowns and identities.

Following the memorial service, delegates, military personnel, martyrs' relatives and local residents solemnly escorted the remains of the 68 fallen soldiers to their final resting place at the Tam Nong Martyrs' Cemetery.

Fresh wreaths, burning incense and the silent procession accompanying the fallen to their final resting place reflected the nation's profound gratitude to these outstanding sons who devoted their youth and sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

By VIET TIEN - DIEM MY
Translated by X.QUANG