The remains were found more than one meter underground, accompanied by several items believed to belong to Vietnamese soldiers, including an AK submachine gun magazine, a multi-purpose shovel, an M04 gas mask, a hammock, and rubber-soled military footwear. Notably, the team also revealed a comb engraved with the words “Hanh Phuc” (Happiness) and the name “Thanh Lu” or “Thanh Ly.”
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Collecting remains of Vietnamese martyrs in Laos |
The search and collection of martyrs’ remains faced considerable challenges due to harsh weather conditions, mountainous terrain, and post-war unexploded ordnance. Many of the martyrs’ graves are located in remote and rugged areas, once heavily bombed, with a lack of reliable information.
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Offering incense to the fallen soldiers |
Despite these difficulties, with the direction and support of the Steering Committee 515 at all levels and local party committees, authorities, armed forces, and people in the Lao provinces of Xiengkhouang, Xaysomboun, and Vientiane, the team was able to overcome numerous obstacles and fulfill its assigned mission.
As of April 12, after nearly six months of operations during the 2024-2025 dry season, the Nghe An provincial Military Command’s Search and Collection Team has collected 65 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who sacrificed their lives in Laos, of which 58 were found in Xiengkhouang, six in Xaysomboun, and one in Vientiane.
The remains are currently kept at the Memorial House dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who sacrificed their lives in Laos, in Phonsavan town, Xiengkhouang province.
Translated by Song Anh