To reach Hill 350B from the Bat Xat commune medical clinic, members of the team had to cross mountains, cling to rocks, and follow trails.
The mission began with information gathered from archival documents, war veterans’ memories, and local residents. Every small clue was carefully verified.
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Major General Nguyen Ngoc Ngan, Deputy Chief of the Political Department of Military Region 2, directs the search and collection of martyrs’ remains conducted by the Lao Cai provincial Military Command’s collection team. |
Lieutenant Colonel Pham Khac Truong, the team’s Political Officer, noted that they had to navigate treacherous terrain and endure harsh weather conditions. Despite drastic changes in the landscape over the decades, he said the team did not give up, driven by a deep sense of responsibility.
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Officers and soldiers of the collection team under the Lao Cai provincial Military Command conduct the search for martyrs’ remains. |
Upon locating a site, the team conducted the excavation meticulously and safely. Every layer of soil, bone fragment, and belongings was preserved under strict procedures for DNA testing and identification.
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The team’s work requires high concentration. |
Directly performing the task at Hill 350B, Sergeant La Van Nam shared that despite the anticipated difficulties, the team did not stop, knowing the martyrs were still lying under the ground. He emphasized his clear awareness of the responsibility to bring them home.
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Senior Colonel Hoang Van Toan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Lao Cai provincial Military Command, directs the collection of martyrs’ remains. |
Meanwhile, Corporal Chau Sao Thu expressed happiness and profound emotion upon finding martyrs’ belongings and sets of remains. He noted that the greatest joy was the moment when families learned that their loved ones had been found and identified after years of waiting.
So far, the team has collected 12 sets of remains in Bat Xat, many of which have been identified. Remains ineligible for DNA analysis are interred at the Bat Xat commune martyrs’ cemetery in coordination with local authorities.
Senior Colonel Hoang Van Toan, Deputy Political Commissar of the Lao Cai provincial Military Command, affirmed the unit’s determination to closely lead this sacred mission. He stated that the unit’s chains-of-command are determined to mobilize all resources, coordinate with authorities at all levels and local people, and urge participating forces to overcome challenges to complete the “500-day-and-night campaign.”
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Each piece of martyrs’ belonging is carefully preserved. |
Each case of identifying a martyr not only eases the pain of a family but also demonstrates the national tradition of gratitude. It reflects the young generation’s appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Translated by Chung Anh