PANO - In the early morning of May 18, amid the mist-covered mountains of western Nghe An province, a convoy carrying the remains of 80 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who sacrificed their lives while performing international service in Laos crossed the Nam Can International Border Gate and returned home.

The remains were recovered during the 2025–2026 dry season by the Nghe An Provincial Military Command’s search and recovery team in the Lao provinces of Xiengkhuang, Vientiane and Xaysomboun.

Along nearly 200 kilometers of National Road 7, from Nam Can to the Nghi Loc War Cemetery, thousands of people stood by the roadside to welcome the fallen soldiers home with deep respect and gratitude.

Among the crowds were veterans quietly placing their hands over their hearts as the convoy passed. Relatives of fallen soldiers wiped away tears. Officials, soldiers and local authorities solemnly offered incense and bowed their heads in remembrance. Many students stood in line holding national flags, silently watching the convoy pass by with emotion and gratitude.

These simple but moving moments became a powerful tribute from the people to those who had sacrificed their lives for national independence and international solidarity. Each set of remains returning home marked a reunion after years of separation and reflected the tireless efforts of teams searching for their comrades in the mountains and forests along the Vietnam - Laos border.

According to the plan, a memorial and burial ceremony for the recovered remains of the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors will be held on May 21 at the Nghi Loc Martyrs’ Cemetery in Dong Loc commune, Nghe An province.

Translated by Chung Anh