Dong Nai Province Intensifies War Veteran Memorials and Social Welfare Efforts

Dong Nai Province, a strategic hub in southeastern Vietnam, is actively promoting efforts to instill a deep sense of gratitude for war sacrifices throughout society, honoring the legacy of its long and arduous past. Historically known as "the difficult but heroic East" during the Vietnam War, Dong Nai was a fierce battlefield. Remnants of this era can be found in the names of revolutionary bases like "Chien khu Đ" and "Tà Thiết." In peacetime, the province has established itself as a dynamic growth center, playing a crucial role in economic development, national defense, security, and foreign affairs. The provincial Party Committee, government, military, and residents place special emphasis on "gratitude" initiatives, viewing them not just as a political duty but as a moral imperative. These efforts include supporting elderly war widows, referred to as "Vietnamese Mothers," as well as assisting disabled soldiers, relatives of fallen soldiers, and individuals who contributed to the revolution. Recently, in July, young volunteers brought warmth to the home of Vietnamese Mother Phạm Thị Ba by preparing meals and assisting with household chores. Mrs. Ba recounted her painful experiences during the war, including hiding food for the revolution and losing her husband and son for the country. Her husband was captured and killed by enemy forces in 1974, and her son was killed in the Cambodian battlefield in 1989. The sacrifices of two generations underscore her profound patriotism and spirit of devotion. In anticipation of the "War Invalids and Martyrs' Day" on July 27th, Dong Nai is also undertaking housing renovation projects for children of veterans exposed to chemical agents (such as Agent Orange). This initiative has benefited four families with new homes and sixteen with renovations. For instance, Mr. Tôn Long Tình, whose parents were affected by chemical exposure, received 50 million VND (approximately $2,000 USD) to renovate his home, built in 2000, making it safer and more comfortable. Furthermore, at the Bình Phước War Cemetery, out of 5,241 graves, approximately two-thirds are unidentified. A campaign is underway, aiming for completion by 2026, to identify remains through DNA analysis. So far, DNA samples have been collected from over 600 graves, with about two-thirds deemed suitable for genetic testing. These activities demonstrate Dong Nai Province's commitment to concretely honoring past sacrifices and passing on the national tradition of gratitude to future generations. Source: Nhan Dan