Dong Thap province held a ceremony to honor and inter 68 sets of martyrs' remains at Tam Nong Martyrs' Cemetery. These remains were collected by the K91 Team of the Provincial Military Command during the 2025-2026 dry season. Of these, 47 were found in Cambodia's Prayveng and Pursat provinces, while 21 were discovered within Vietnam. All 68 remains are unidentified.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Vo Thanh Dan, head of the K91 Team, the search effort faces increasing challenges. Much of the information regarding the martyrs' burial sites and former battlefields is outdated, and the terrain has changed significantly over decades. Many locations require multiple surveys and excavations before remains are found.

Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Hong welcomes the martyrs to Tam Nong Martyrs' Cemetery. *Photo: Tran Thanh*

During the excavation process, search teams recovered some personal effects, including pens, combs, rings, necklaces, and vials containing information about the martyrs. However, most of these items have deteriorated over time, making them insufficient for identification.

Lieutenant Colonel Dan emphasized the arduous nature of the search, stating that the forces involved recognize this as a sacred mission to bring the martyrs back to their homeland and families, fostering strong determination to complete the task.

Speaking at the memorial service, Huynh Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee (UBND), remarked that each recovered martyr's remains represents a return home after many years away from the homeland, helping to alleviate the grief of families and comrades.

235 martyrs' remains interred at Doc Ba Dac Martyrs' Cemetery, Thoi Son ward, An Giang province, on 9/7. *Photo: Phuong Vu*

"Although the 68 martyrs' remains have not been identified by name, age, or hometown, wherever their origins, we ask that their souls find peaceful rest here in Dong Thap," Mr. Tuan stated.

On the same day, An Giang province held a memorial and interment ceremony for 235 martyrs' remains at Doc Ba Dac Martyrs' Cemetery in Thoi Son ward. Only one of these remains has been identified. The K90, K92, and K93 teams collected these remains during the 2025-2026 dry season from Cambodia's Preah Sihanouk, Takeo, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kep, and Kandal provinces, as well as from within Vietnam.

According to the Steering Committee 515 of local authorities, the search and collection of martyrs' remains will continue. This effort relies on archival documents, witness testimonies, and cooperation with Cambodian authorities and residents in former battlefield areas.

Ngoc Tai - Phuong Vu