On 14/8, Lieutenant Colonel Vu Ba Truong, Commander of the Vinh Bao Commune Military Command, announced that preparations for the excavation of the Ma Chia area are nearing completion. Residents have been instructed to temporarily halt all agricultural activities.

The Ma Chia area, located in Mai Son village, Vinh Bao commune (previously Hung Cuong village, old Nhan Hoa commune, Vinh Bao district), stands as a historical testament to the suffering endured during the French Resistance (1945-1954). During this era, French colonial forces established the Mai Son outpost, where they massacred numerous cadres, guerrillas, and civilians. Their bodies were subsequently buried in a mass grave within the Ma Chia area, spanning nearly 5,000 square meters.

The survey team conducts fieldwork at the Ma Chia area before planning the excavation to find the remains of martyrs. *Photo: Le Truong*

By reviewing archival records from Project 1237 and historical data of the Vinh Bao District Party Committee (covering 1938-1954 and 1938-2018), combined with eyewitness accounts, authorities identified eight martyrs who died and were buried at Ma Chia. They are: Nguyen Van Cam, Ha Van Rac, Do Ngoc Bich, Do Van Choat, Nguyen Van Gang, Vu Van Huu, Pham Van Choat, and Vu Van Tuan. These martyrs served as cadres and guerrillas from the former Vinh Quang, Dong Minh, Vinh Phong, and Cao Minh communes, which are now part of Vinh Bao, Vinh Hai, and Vinh Am communes.

Over 75 years, the landscape of the Ma Chia area has been altered by extensive soil excavation for brick production and agricultural land reclamation. For decades, relying on oral traditions passed down through generations, the martyrs' relatives voluntarily contributed to constructing a symbolic grave (without remains) and a memorial stele. This memorial, spanning approximately 250 square meters and elevated 50-60 centimeters above the surrounding fields, serves as a place for lighting incense and remembrance.

The symbolic grave and memorial stele for the eight martyrs, built by their relatives. *Photo: Le Truong*

Mr. Dao Phu Thuy Duong, Secretary of the Vinh Bao Commune Party Committee, anticipates significant challenges in the excavation and identification process. Given the extensive time elapsed and the site's origin as a mass grave, the excavation could potentially uncover dozens, or even hundreds, of sets of remains. Moreover, among the eight identified martyrs, only one family currently has a relative eligible for DNA sampling to facilitate identification.

Le Tan