After nearly three months, from June 6, when work began at the Tuần Giáo Martyrs’ Cemetery, to August 27, the excavation and collection of samples from the remains of fallen soldiers at cemeteries across the province was completed, covering a total of 4,607 graves. Of these, 4,341 samples met the requirements for DNA testing. All biological samples were handed over by the provincial 515 Steering Committee to the Institute of Forensic Medicine under the Ministry of National Defense.

These figures are more than the results of a campaign. Behind every grave is a life - a soldier who once had a name, a hometown and a family, and relatives who have waited for years. Therefore, each biological sample collected is not merely a technical procedure. It represents one more opportunity to restore the identity of a fallen soldier.

At the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery, the relevant forces excavated 2,060 graves and collected 1,929 eligible samples. At the A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery, 592 graves were excavated, with 579 eligible samples collected. At the Him Lam Martyrs’ Cemetery, 895 graves were excavated, with 890 eligible samples meeting the requirements. The Tông Khao Martyrs’ Cemetery had 911 graves excavated, yielding 813 eligible samples. The Tuần Giáo, Tủa Chùa and Youth Volunteers’ Martyrs’ Cemeteries also completed the collection of samples from the remains of fallen soldiers.

Notably, the initial plan of the provincial 515 Steering Committee set December 22, 2026, as the deadline for completing the excavation and collection of samples. However, with a high level of determination, the forces carrying out the mission worked day and night, regardless of sun or rain; proactively improved machinery, applied solutions suited to actual conditions, supplemented personnel and organized the work scientifically. As a result, the mission was completed on August 27, nearly four months ahead of schedule.

It was truly a “swift campaign” in peacetime. Swift, but never hasty. Urgent, but with absolutely no room for error. The subjects of this mission are not lifeless numbers. They are the remains of soldiers who devoted their youth and sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation.

During the campaign, in early July 2025, the provincial Military Command also recovered the remains of two fallen soldiers from the summit of Pha Đin Pass and brought them to the Độc Lập Martyrs’ Cemetery, where samples were collected for DNA testing.

According to the provincial 515 Steering Committee, the 500-day-and-night campaign is not merely a political task; it is a journey of gratitude and a responsibility borne by today’s generation toward those who gave their lives for the Fatherland. During the work at the martyrs’ cemeteries, the regular and timely attention and encouragement from provincial leaders, together with support from local agencies, organizations and residents, also served as a source of motivation for the forces to complete the mission as quickly and effectively as possible.

Completing the excavation and collection of samples at the martyrs’ cemeteries is an important milestone, but not the end. Ahead lie DNA testing, verification, cross-checking of information, completion of dossiers, and continued efforts to search for and recover the remains of fallen soldiers still lying in the mountains and forests of Điện Biên. At the same time, the graves must be restored to ensure that they remain intact, dignified, clean and respectfully maintained.

Therefore, the “command from the heart” continues. It is a command to see the mission through to the end - carried out with the responsibility and conscience of the living toward those who have passed away. It is to ensure that one day, the names of those currently lying in unmarked graves can be engraved on their tombstones. It is to give families who have waited for so many years the chance to welcome their loved ones home. And it is to bring those who fell for the Fatherland back to their families and hometowns in a manner worthy of their sacrifice, with a sense of completeness and deep gratitude.

The 500-day-and-night campaign is writing a moving story of responsibility in peacetime. Time may erase many traces, but gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the Fatherland will never fade.