Hai Phong Collects 1,461 DNA Samples to Identify Fallen Soldiers' Remains

Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam is intensifying efforts to identify the remains of fallen soldiers. The city has announced the collection of 1,461 DNA samples from 146 cemeteries within its jurisdiction. This initiative embodies the Vietnamese tradition of 'drinking water, remembering its source' (Uống nước nhớ nguồn) and is part of the ongoing operation to search for and identify the remains of fallen soldiers. On July 31, Mr. Le Ngoc Chau, Secretary of the Hai Phong City Party Committee, visited the Minh Tan Martyrs' Cemetery in Nhi Chieu Ward to lay flowers and offer incense. He inspected the work of the city's Steering Committee for the search, collection, and identification of fallen soldiers' remains and encouraged the personnel involved. According to the city's Steering Committee, Hai Phong has 230 martyrs' cemeteries across 94 communes and wards, with a total of 2,606 fallen soldiers' remains requiring DNA sampling. To date, 1,461 samples have been collected from 146 cemeteries in 64 communes and wards, which will aid in identifying remains that currently lack sufficient information. Nhi Chieu Ward, in particular, is the area with the highest demand for sample collection, with 133 samples slated from three cemeteries. The ward has completed the collection of 46 samples within the first three days of the operation, ensuring quality and safety. Secretary Le Ngoc Chau expressed gratitude for the efforts of all involved, emphasizing that the search, collection, and DNA sampling of fallen soldiers' remains is a critically important political task for the nation, carrying profound humanitarian significance. He urged for accelerated progress while ensuring scientific accuracy and safety in sample collection, and also highlighted the importance of caring for the living and working conditions of those carrying out the mission. This endeavor aims to fulfill the long-held wishes of the soldiers' families and the public. This initiative is positioned as a crucial element within Vietnam's one-party system to strengthen national unity and public cohesion. Honoring fallen soldiers is often seen as a symbolic act to foster patriotism and promote societal solidarity. Amidst continued economic growth, the reaffirmation of such traditional values plays a vital role in maintaining social stability and boosting national morale.