PANO - In the morning sunshine of late May, thousands of Vietnamese and Lao delegates, armed forces personnel, relatives of fallen soldiers, and local residents respectfully bowed their heads to bid last farewell to the fallen at a recent event.

The memorial and burial ceremony for the remains of 19 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and advisors who laid down their lives while conducting international service in Laos was held at Dong Tam International War Cemetery in Thiet Ong commune, Thanh Hoa province.

Following the tireless efforts of personnel from the martyrs’ remains recovery team under the Thanh Hoa Provincial Military Command, who have worked throughout the mountains and forests of Houaphanh province during the 2025–2026 dry season, the fallen heroes have finally returned to their homeland, embraced by the motherland and remembered with profound sorrow and gratitude by the Party, the State, the military, and the people.

It was not only a homecoming ceremony for these outstanding sons of the nation, who dedicated their youth to the independence and freedom of both Vietnam and Laos, but also a vivid reflection of Vietnam’s enduring traditions of gratitude and remembrance toward those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Below are photos of the event.

Translated by Tran Hoai