“Buddha's Army” in Cambodian people’s hearts
Although decades have passed since Vietnamese volunteer troops helped Cambodian people escape the genocidal regime of Pol Pot, the image of the “Buddha's Army” has never faded in the hearts of Cambodian authorities and people. Today, that image is once again reflected through the sentiments of officers and soldiers of Team K91.
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Cambodian people and armed forces support Team K91 in searching for information about martyrs’ graves. |
Apart from performing the task of searching for and collecting martyrs’ remains from different periods of war in Cambodia, Team K91 has become like sons and brothers to local people. In villages and hamlets, together with surveying, gathering information and excavating for martyrs’ remains, the soldiers have also helped local people repair their homes, fill potholes on rural roads, and provide free health check-ups and medicines for local people where they are stationed.
Hien Kim, aged 72, from Prey Veng province, shares that in the past, Vietnamese soldiers saved them from death. Now, seeing Team K91 working tirelessly under the scorching sun to search for their fallen comrades’ remains, she felt deeply moved. The troops have also provided health check-ups for her and others in this locality. She was grateful to the Vietnamese soldiers.
Solidarity of comrades
The task of searching for fallen soldiers’ remains is a long and difficult journey. However, officers and soldiers of Team K91 have never given up and have consistently received wholehearted support from the authorities, armed forces and people of Cambodia. Local functional forces not only provide valuable information about burial sites but also directly accompany Team K91 through forests and across streams, verifying information and meeting witnesses.
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Team K91 give medical examinations and medicines to people in Cambodia. |
Major General Bum Be, Second-in-Command Officer of the Prey Veng provincial Military Sub-region, stated that searching for fallen soldiers’ remains faced many challenges, especially due to limited information and constantly changing terrain. The sacrifice of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers is invaluable and cannot be repaid. They have regarded this as a humanitarian mission and an act of gratitude, so they have done their utmost to support and create the best possible conditions for Team K91 to bring the fallen home. These missions are also valuable historical lessons for young Cambodian soldiers about the solidarity between the two countries.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Chieng PhoLa, Commanding officer of Kanh Chreach district Military Sub-region, whenever Team K91 arrives in their area, they consider them brothers. Local authorities always provide the best possible support, from accommodation to helping locate those who know the burial sites. Doing their utmost to assist is also their way of expressing gratitude to those who sacrificed for peace they enjoy today.
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Presenting gifts to the Cambodian armed forces |
Mission of restoration and bridge to the future
Since 2001, a total of 1,996 sets of martyrs’ remains have been found and repatriated to Vietnam. Each set stands as a vivid testament to the heroic history and the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.
At present, the work of Team K91 serves as a bridge connecting the past with the future, helping younger generations of both countries better understand the value of peace and the noble sacrifices made by previous generations. The sentiments of Cambodian people toward Team K91 are the clearest proof of the lasting friendship between the two countries.
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Cambodian people always stand by Team K91. |
Colonel Vo Thanh Dan, Head of Team K91, shared that they always reminded their officers and soldiers that the task of searching for and repatriating martyrs’ remains is not only an order but also a call from the heart. Wherever they go, they regard the local people as their own family. Without the protection of local people and the close support of the Cambodian armed forces, it would be difficult for them to fulfill this sacred mission.
Translated by Quynh Oanh