The People's Committee of Dong Nai province held a ceremony on the morning of 30/6 at Hoa Lu international border gate to welcome the remains of 62 martyrs. These were Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives while performing international duties in Cambodia, whose remains Team K72 of the Dong Nai Military Command located and repatriated.

Members of Team K72 excavate the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia. Photo: Thai Ha

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai People's Committee, acknowledged Team K72's efforts in Cambodia. She praised their dedication in overcoming challenges to complete the search and excavation of the martyrs' remains. Hoang emphasized that repatriating these remains demonstrates the sacred responsibility and duty of the current generation towards those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Following the welcome ceremony, the martyrs' remains will be transported to Binh Phuoc Martyrs' Cemetery in Dong Tam commune for a memorial service and burial in July. Dong Nai authorities affirmed their commitment to preparing for future search expeditions under the motto, "as long as there is information, we will search," aiming to bring all Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts home.

Team K72 had previously deployed to Cambodia on 26/3 to search for and repatriate martyrs' remains in Kratie and Kampong Thom provinces. After three months, with support from authorities of both nations and local residents, the team successfully located and excavated 62 sets of remains.

Phuoc Tuan