On 18/7, the Tay Ninh Department of Home Affairs formally recognized Nguyen Thi Le, a resident of Vam Co Commune, as a relative of fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen. This decision followed the discovery of Mr. Quen's name on artifacts found with remains during excavations at Le Thi Rieng Park in Ho Chi Minh City earlier in July.
The recognition was based on Huynh Van Quen's official fallen soldier file, his certificate of national recognition, and a proposal from the Vam Co Commune People's Committee.
That same day, commune authorities met with the fallen soldier's family. Six relatives attended, all agreeing to recognize Ms. Le as Mr. Quen's wife.
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Nguyen Thi Le, who was engaged to fallen soldier Huynh Van Quen, recognized as his wife after nearly 60 years. *Photo: Nam An* |
Ms. Le received a fallen soldier's relative certificate and will begin receiving benefits in July. Her monthly benefits include a survivor's allowance of over 2,7 million VND and a care allowance of over 2,2 million VND, specifically for a fallen soldier's wife living alone and without support. This totals nearly 5 million VND each month.
Regulations for recognizing a fallen soldier's wife typically require marriage registration or wedding documents. Alternatively, records or biographies of children or other relatives stating the couple were husband and wife can serve as proof. If formal documents are unavailable, a woman may still be considered if the fallen soldier's family or clan confirms the relationship.
Initial verification revealed that fallen soldier Quen was a member of Long An Battalion 1. He participated in the Y-Bridge battle, which took place in the former Districts 5 and 8, during the Tet Mau Than 1968 General Offensive and Uprising.
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Faded document with Huynh Van Quen's name, found in plastic with a fallen soldier's remains at Le Thi Rieng Park. *Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Command* |
Earlier, search teams at Le Thi Rieng Park discovered remains and artifacts bearing Huynh Van Quen's name. On 6/7, Huynh Van Nho's family, from Vam Co Commune, reported to authorities, identifying fallen soldier Quen as his older brother.
Ms. Le was subsequently identified as the woman engaged to fallen soldier Quen nearly 60 years ago. After his sacrifice, she never remarried and lives alone.
Nam An
