On the evening of 26/7, the collection of artifacts was handed over by authorities to Huynh Van Muoi, the younger brother of fallen soldier Quen, during the live television program "Sao sang dan duong" (Bright Star Guides the Way) on Vietnam Television.

Major General Nguyen Thanh Trung, Political Commissar of the Ho Chi Minh City Command, stated that after cross-referencing historical documents and verifying information, the unit recognized Huynh Van Muoi's family as the relatives of fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen.

Previously, on 18/7, the Tay Ninh provincial government recognized Nguyen Thi Le, 79, as the wife of fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen. The two were engaged before Quen left for battle, but they did not have a chance to marry before he went missing. After nearly 60 years, Le was officially confirmed as the fallen soldier's wife.

The artifacts, including a fountain pen, comb, wallet, essential oil bottle, and papers of fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen, were presented to his family in Vam Co commune, Tay Ninh, on the evening of 26/7. Photo: Thanh Tung

Fallen soldier Quen's remains were found in a mass grave trench at Le Thi Rieng park, Ho Chi Minh City, when authorities began excavation on 6/7. The papers remaining in his wallet were a crucial clue in identifying him.

Upon learning the information, Muoi contacted the Ho Chi Minh City Command, identifying fallen soldier Quen as his older brother and providing details for verification.

According to Muoi, fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen was the eldest of 11 children. He joined the local army at 16 years old. In 1968, when he was 22, Quen lost contact with his family.

"I heard my mother talk about my older brother many times. The family believes he participated in the battle near Chu Y Bridge in 1968 and has been missing since then," said Muoi. The family currently has 8 siblings, most of whom reside in Binh Loi hamlet, Vam Co commune.

Receiving his brother's artifacts after nearly a month of waiting for verification results, Muoi expressed the family's deep emotion. "After 58 years missing, my siblings and I now know how my older brother Quen sacrificed," he said.

Huynh Van Muoi's family, along with Nguyen Thi Le (seated), receive the artifacts of fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen found at Le Thi Rieng park. Photo: Thanh Tung

Through verifying his unit's designation, Military Region 7 confirmed that fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen was a Liberation Army soldier belonging to Battalion 1, a unit active in Long An, now part of Tay Ninh province.

This battalion participated in the battle in the Chu Y Bridge area during the Tet Mau Than General Offensive and Uprising in 1968. The battle site is approximately 6 km from Le Thi Rieng park.

Authorities believe fallen soldier Quen died in the battle and was subsequently buried with his comrades at Do Thanh cemetery, now Le Thi Rieng park.

Dinh Van