Ho Chi Minh City Plans August Burial for Recovered Fallen Soldiers' Remains

Ho Chi Minh City is continuing its efforts to recover the remains of soldiers lost during the Vietnam War and other past conflicts, announcing plans for a joint burial ceremony in August. This initiative aims to honor national memory and renew aspirations for peace. As of 4 pm on July 29, the recovery operation had uncovered 128 individual sets of remains and 22 others from four mass graves, along with numerous personal artifacts. To date, a total of 1,563 sets of remains have been recovered, including 539 in Vietnam, 174 in Laos, and 850 in Cambodia. According to Tran Hong Tuc, Vice Chairman of the Nhi Chieu People's Committee, there are 133 unidentified graves across three cemeteries in the city, with the Nhi Chieu ward having the largest number of mass graves. The ward aims to complete the collection of remains within approximately 15 days, while concurrently coordinating the collection of DNA samples from martyrs' relatives for comparison and identity verification. Under Vietnam's one-party system, the preservation of national historical memory and the promotion of national unity are key policy priorities, with the commemoration of fallen soldiers and the recovery of their remains being significant aspects. Following the post-Vietnam War period, many unidentified remains exist, making their collection and identification a national aspiration. The current efforts in Ho Chi Minh City are situated within this context. Despite Vietnam's remarkable economic growth, efforts continue to heal the scars of past wars and build a peaceful future, crucial for maintaining social stability and national solidarity. This recovery and burial of remains also serve as an opportunity to foster patriotism and respect for those who sacrificed. Source: VietnamPlus English