150 sets of martyr remains collected at Le Thi Rieng Park

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have expanded their search and recovery efforts at Le Thi Rieng Park, successfully exhuming and identifying 150 sets of remains believed to belong to martyrs. The operation, which began on June 23, has been meticulously excavating sections of the park, previously known as the Do Thanh, Chi Hoa, and Saigon cemeteries.

During the latest phase of the operation on July 29, search teams uncovered six more sets of remains in Zone B of the park, with four of these including accompanying artifacts. These artifacts are being preserved for analysis to help identify the fallen soldiers. To date, the recovered remains consist of 128 individuals buried separately and 22 individuals interred in four mass graves, two found in Zone A and two in Zone B.

The search combines historical records, witness testimonies, geophysical surveys, and on-site evidence. Excavation is conducted with extreme care, sifting through soil layer by layer to avoid missing any skeletal remains or related artifacts. A large canopy has been erected in Zone B to protect the excavation area from weather conditions and ensure the safety and efficiency of the recovery teams.

Authorities are preparing to relocate a memorial monument within the search area to allow for further excavation in Zone A. Based on historical data and accounts from witnesses, the park is believed to be a burial site for soldiers and cadres who perished during the 1968 Tet Offensive. The recovery operation will continue with caution, aiming to collect all remains, gather samples for DNA identification, and ultimately return the fallen soldiers to their families and hometowns.