Woman Recognized as Martyr's Wife After Nearly 60 Years

In Tay Ninh province, Vietnam, 79-year-old Nguyen Thi Le has been officially recognized as the wife of war martyr Huynh Van Quen, nearly 60 years after their engagement. This recognition entitles her to survivor benefits. On July 18, the Department of Home Affairs of Tay Ninh province issued a decision to add Ms. Le, residing in Vam Co commune, to the list of relatives of martyr Huynh Van Quen. Mr. Quen's name was identified from personal effects found alongside skeletal remains during an excavation at Le Thi Rieng Park in Ho Chi Minh City earlier in July. The decision was made based on the martyr Huynh Van Quen's records, a certificate of national merit, and the proposal from the People's Committee of Vam Co commune. On the same day, commune authorities met with the martyr's family. All six attending relatives unanimously agreed to recognize Ms. Le as Mr. Quen's wife. Ms. Le has been issued a martyr's relative certificate and will receive monthly benefits starting from July. These include a monthly survivor pension of over VND 2.7 million and a monthly care allowance of over VND 2.2 million for a solitary widow without dependents, totaling nearly VND 5 million per month. According to regulations, the recognition of a martyr's wife is based on marriage registration documents, wedding records, children's records, or declarations by relatives stating they were a couple. In cases where official documents are unavailable, a woman can be considered if the martyr's family and clan confirm the relationship. Initial investigation results indicate that martyr Quen belonged to the Long An 1st Battalion and participated in the battle at Chu Y Bridge in the former Districts 5 and 8 during the General Offensive and Uprising of Tet Mau Than in 1968. Previously, search teams at Le Thi Rieng Park discovered skeletal remains along with personal effects bearing the name Huynh Van Quen. On July 6, Mr. Huynh Van Nho from Vam Co commune reported to the authorities that martyr Quen was his elder brother. Ms. Le was subsequently identified as the woman who was engaged to martyr Quen nearly 60 years prior. Since his death, she has not remarried and currently lives alone.