In lieu of gratitude

On the afternoon of August 27, at the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery, the final tasks in exhuming and collecting biological samples of martyrs’ remains were urgently finalized by cadres and soldiers of the provincial Military Command.

Having just completed the task at the final grave, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Văn Ngọc from the Political Department of the provincial Military Command stated that the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery alone had 2,060 graves requiring exhumation and sampling. Forces deployed the mission here starting July 23. Initially, the unit projected work would extend until late December, but once under way, the morale and determination of cadres and soldiers were exceptionally high. Striving each day to complete more tasks, the timeline was substantially compressed.

Over recent days, regardless of scorching heat or torrential downpours, troops persistently performed every phase. Unit commanders and leaders were regularly on site to inspect, encourage, and promptly resolve bottlenecks, while looking after troops’ health and working conditions to ensure mission completion. United as one, each grave was exhumed carefully and accurately. By August 27, exhumation and sampling for all 2,060 graves at the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery were completed.

Having participated in exhumations and sampling across multiple cemeteries, soldier Lý Văn Phúc from Battalion 1, Regiment 741, the provincial Military Command, shared that work at the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery was far more arduous than in other locations. Graves were deeply buried, several were off-center, and many were waterlogged, causing substantial impediments during exhumation. “The greater the difficulty, the more prudence and perseverance are demanded of us. Every completed grave is another reminder to do our best, as this is an exceptionally sacred mission,” soldier Lý Văn Phúc stated.

81 days without rest

The Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery was also the final stop in the exhumation and biological sampling journey across 7 martyrs cemeteries containing unidentified graves in the province.

According to Senior Colonel Dương Quốc Long, Deputy Political Commissar of the provincial Military Command, from the first grave handled at the Tuần Giáo Martyrs’ Cemetery on June 6 to August 27, the entire mission unfolded within 81 days. Senior Colonel Dương Quốc Long noted: “Initially, we determined the earliest completion date would be before December 22. But as operations proceeded, cadres and soldiers accumulated experience, coordinating more smoothly and effectively. By late July, the unit set a new target to finish before September 30. And today, that objective has been achieved well ahead of schedule.”

Starting from the Tuần Giáo Martyrs’ Cemetery, operations were carried out successively at Tủa Chùa, Him Lam, Tông Khao, Độc Lập, A1, and the Volunteer Youth Martyrs’ Cemeteries. At each site, differing terrain, grave structures, and weather conditions posed unique demands on task forces.

Eighty-one days is a short period for an exceptional mission involving thousands of graves. Yet throughout that span, cadres and soldiers braved heat and rain, maintaining continuous field presence. Emerging bottlenecks were immediately discussed and resolved on site, minimizing disruptions to progress. Concurrently, the proactive and creative initiative of troops was maximized. Multiple innovations were applied, accelerating work progress. Notable examples include fabricating a stone-dressing machine to speed up grave restoration post-exhumation, and designing a movable chain hoist that substantially reduced physical labor and shortened exhumation time.

Completing the exhumation and biological sampling of 4,608 graves for DNA testing nearly 4 months ahead of schedule affirms the determination and sense of responsibility of cadres and soldiers. It also serves as a meaningful tribute celebrating the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, heading toward the Traditional Day of the Armed Forces of Military Region 2. However, completing exhumation and sampling is not the end of the journey.

According to Senior Colonel Dương Quốc Long, in the coming period, cadres and soldiers will concentrate on restoring the graves. This task demands meticulous care, ensuring graves are returned to their original, solemn state. Alongside this, within the framework of the 500-day-and-night Campaign, the provincial Military Command will continue collaborating to gather information supplied by the public, organizing surveys, searches, and the collection of martyrs’ remains.

Eighty-one days concluded a major stage, but the journey to search, gather, and identify martyrs continues. Each collected sample brings new hope that fallen heroes will be called by their proper names and return to their homelands.