'The sacrifices of generations of fathers and brothers will forever be engraved'

Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has initiated a nationwide campaign to care for individuals who have contributed to Vietnam's revolutionary cause, emphasizing the enduring gratitude owed to those who sacrificed for national independence and freedom. The launch occurred during a national conference honoring revolutionary contributors, held in Hanoi on July 23, ahead of the 79th anniversary of Martyrs' Day.

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Each martyr's remains that are collected, identified, each keepsake handed back contributes to soothing the pain of war, alleviating the longing and waiting of so many families and relatives for decades.

During the conference, attended by 310 delegates representing millions nationwide, the Prime Minister reflected on Vietnam's history of struggle and defense. He expressed profound gratitude to martyrs, war invalids, heroes' mothers, and families of martyrs, acknowledging their immense sacrifices. He highlighted the emotional significance of returning personal effects, such as faded letters, worn backpacks, and time-stained diaries, to relatives, stating these artifacts connect the past with the present and embody the sacrifices of past generations with the pride and responsibility of the current one.

While Vietnam has made significant strides in caring for its war heroes, honoring the tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source" and "repaying kindness," challenges persist. The Prime Minister noted that over 9.2 million individuals have received preferential treatment, and approximately 99% of their families now have living standards equal to or exceeding the national average. However, he also acknowledged that around 175,000 martyrs' remains are still unfound, and 230,000 graves lack identified names. This ongoing situation represents a "persistent pain" for many mothers and wives searching for lost loved ones.

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The faded handwriting, the worn old backpack, or the diary stained by time are not just relics of the past but also a sacred connection between history and the present, between the noble sacrifices of previous generations and the pride and responsibility of the current generation.

Furthermore, a portion of war invalids, veterans, martyrs' relatives, and other contributors still face life's hardships. Many victims of Agent Orange continue to endure suffering and loss. In response, the entire political system is engaged in a 500-day campaign to accelerate the search, recovery, and identification of martyrs' remains, with authorities having already located and collected 1,482 sets of remains and 7 collective graves, alongside clearing 8,462 hectares of landmines.

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This is still a persistent pain when many mothers search for their sons, wives search for their husbands, their hair now white. Besides, a portion of war invalids, veterans, martyrs' relatives, and people with meritorious services still face difficulties in life; many victims of Agent Orange continue to bear losses and suffering.