Hanoi to Conduct DNA Testing on Unidentified Remains at Mai Dich Cemetery

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, commenced the process of collecting DNA samples from the remains of unidentified martyrs at Mai Dich Cemetery on July 7. This initiative is spearheaded by the Hanoi Municipal Steering Committee for the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains. Mai Dich Cemetery is currently the resting place for 1,227 martyrs and two mass graves. It holds the largest number of unidentified remains in Hanoi, with 469 graves. These remains include 1,221 martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the French resistance war, five during the American resistance war, and one during the Southwest border defense period. The cemetery also serves as the final resting place for 492 former Party and State leaders and high-ranking officials. This DNA identification effort is being implemented in accordance with the Party and State's directives to accelerate the search, collection, and identification of martyrs' remains with missing information. The Hanoi Municipal Steering Committee, in coordination with the Hanoi Capital Military Command, the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs, and local authorities, is carrying out this task. Following the memorial ceremony, delegates paid their respects by offering incense at each martyr's grave. The process of collecting remains for DNA analysis was conducted by specialized teams following established procedures, ensuring solemnity, safety, and accuracy. The task force comprised personnel from units under the Hanoi Capital Military Command, including the 301st Infantry Division, the 544th Engineer Battalion, and the Guard and Military Police Battalion, along with medical staff from the Hanoi Department of Health and representatives from the local administration of Phu Dien ward. Concurrently with Mai Dich Cemetery, authorities are also collecting DNA samples from martyrs' remains at Ngoc Hoi and Nhon cemeteries. This action is a practical demonstration of the national ethos of 'drinking water, remembering its source' and 'repaying gratitude,' fulfilling the earnest aspirations of the martyrs' families and the people nationwide.