Vietnam Reissues 'Medal of National Merit' to Families of Fallen Soldiers, Honoring Sacrifice

Across Vietnam, the reissuance of 'Medals of National Merit' (Bằng Tổ quốc ghi công) to families of fallen soldiers is underway, ahead of the July 27th 'War Invalids and Martyrs Day'. This initiative aims to reaffirm the nation's recognition of their sacrifices and provide spiritual support to their families. In Thạch Lạc commune, Bùi Thị Sơn recalls her husband, Dương Xuân Tuyên, who died defending the northern border in 1980. Forty-five years after his sacrifice, the reissued 'Medal of National Merit' holds profound significance for her family, relatives, and hometown. Sơn mentioned that due to difficult circumstances at the time of his death, no photographs were available, making the medal the sole memento on their altar. The original certificate had been damaged by time and natural disasters, prompting the family's request for a replacement. Trần Xuân Hoàng, Chairman of the Thạch Lạc Commune People's Committee, stated that the commune has completed the reissuance process for 54 'Medals of National Merit', responding to the wishes of the families. He emphasized that each medal serves as a testament to the enduring memory and respect for the fallen soldiers across generations. In Đồng Tiến commune, Hà Tĩnh province, 13 families also received reissued medals. Nguyễn Văn Huyên, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, highlighted ongoing efforts including the renovation of memorial sites, provision of essential aid to individuals with meritorious service, and DNA identification work for fallen soldiers. According to Đặng Văn Dũng, Deputy Director of the Hà Tĩnh Provincial Department of Home Affairs, the Prime Minister has approved the reissuance of 'Medals of National Merit' for 484 fallen soldiers from Hà Tĩnh province whose original certificates were lost, damaged, or incomplete. These reissued medals are crucial for families to access benefits such as burial stipends and to facilitate DNA identification for remains.