Vietnam accelerates campaign to find and identify fallen soldiers

Vietnam is intensifying its "500-day and night campaign" to find and identify the remains of fallen soldiers, a critical national priority. The initiative is a key focus for the National Steering Committee, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Thị Thanh Trà, as the country heads toward the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day in July 2027.

This campaign embodies Vietnam's cultural tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source" and reflects a profound political responsibility. Deputy Prime Minister Trà acknowledged positive results from the first six months of the year, noting good public reception and a widespread "gratitude culture." Military regions and localities have shown strong commitment, achieving initial successes. Trà specifically praised Ho Chi Minh City and Military Region 7 for their proactive and decisive actions.

Moving forward, the Deputy Prime Minister urged continued close coordination between Ho Chi Minh City, Military Region 7, and relevant agencies. This includes proceeding with the excavation of a suspected mass grave in Lê Thị Riêng Park and further verifying information in other potential mass burial sites. The goal for the latter half of 2026 is to locate and collect over 3,000 sets of remains, complete DNA sampling from unidentified remains (excluding those from before 1954), and collect biological samples from relatives of martyrs. Approximately 10,000 DNA samples will be analyzed to identify the fallen soldiers.

The campaign also emphasizes building a comprehensive national database of martyrs, graves, and cemeteries, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility. International cooperation with Laos, Cambodia, and the United States is being strengthened to exchange information, data, and war artifacts. This multi-faceted approach aims to provide closure and honor the sacrifices of those who died for the nation.

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The "500-day and night campaign" is entering its final countdown and is the top priority task, demonstrating the cultural tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source" and the sacred political responsibility of the entire system.