Vietnam Expresses Gratitude and Determination to Honor Revolutionary Contributors

On July 23, 2026, the Vietnamese government convened a national conference to honor and commemorate revolutionary contributors, launching a campaign to intensify care for them. This initiative is part of the preparations for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the "War Invalids and Martyrs Day" on July 27. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Party and State to President Ho Chi Minh, revolutionary elders, heroes, martyrs, war invalids, their families, and all revolutionary contributors. During the event, sacred mementos of martyrs, such as faded letters, worn backpacks, and time-worn diaries, were presented to their relatives. These items were highlighted as vital connections between the past and the present, symbolizing the noble sacrifices of previous generations and the pride and responsibility of the current one. Prime Minister Hung stated that for 79 years, the Party and State have consistently prioritized the care of revolutionary contributors, viewing it as a political responsibility and a profound humanitarian tradition of the socialist regime. Currently, over 9.2 million individuals with meritorious services are receiving preferential policies, with 99% of their households enjoying living standards equal to or higher than the local average. Movements like "Repaying Gratitude" and "National Support for Revolutionary Contributors," along with building gratitude houses and caring for severely wounded soldiers, have become cultural hallmarks reflecting the nation's deep humanity. Despite these achievements, the Prime Minister acknowledged the lingering challenges, including approximately 175,000 unidentified martyrs' remains and about 230,000 graves without identified individuals. In response, the "500-Day and Night Campaign to Accelerate the Search, Collection, and Identification of Martyrs' Remains" is being resolutely implemented under the guidance of the Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, and General Secretary and President To Lam. To date, 1,482 sets of remains and 7 collective graves have been found, and 8,462 hectares of land have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance. DNA samples from 71,491 unidentified graves have been collected, along with approximately 243,000 biological samples from relatives. Around 66,000 samples have been analyzed and synchronized into the population database, with urgent DNA identification ongoing. Prime Minister Hung emphasized that maintaining peace and stability, strengthening strategic autonomy, and ensuring rapid, sustainable development while comprehensively improving people's lives are the glorious responsibilities of the current generation. This, he stated, is a testament to the profound gratitude for the sacrifices of past heroes. The meeting urged all levels, sectors, localities, the public, and the business community to deeply understand and effectively implement the resolutions of the 14th National Party Congress, the Secretariat's directive on strengthening Party leadership over the care of revolutionary contributors, and amendments to decrees on preferential treatment for those with meritorious services. This conference serves as a significant ritual under Vietnam's one-party system to honor those who sacrificed for national construction and development. It conveys a political message aimed at fostering national unity and social stability, using past sacrifices as a justification for present and future development. In Vietnam's context of continuous economic growth, such historical recognition and public welfare are foundational to the legitimacy of the socialist regime.