Therefore, the “500-day campaign” on searching, gathering, and identifying DNA of martyrs’ remains is not merely a specialized task. It stands as a major policy of the Party and State, a continuation of the moral tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source,” and a deep expression of gratitude toward those who devoted their youth to the nation’s independence and freedom.

In Điện Biên, starting June 6, 2026, exhumation and DNA sampling were deployed - beginning at Tuần Giáo Martyrs’ Cemetery, followed by Tủa Chùa, Him Lam, Tông Khao, and Độc Lập. Across the province, 4,594 graves across 7 martyrs’ cemeteries require DNA sampling for identity determination. By July 15, execution forces exhumed 1,940 graves, collecting 1,822 samples handed over to functional agencies for DNA testing. The province aims to complete the first phase of exhumations in December 2026, exceeding the plan set by the provincial Steering Committee 515 by four months.

This information demonstrates that the workload concentrated by functional units recently has been immense, spanning multiple steps and stages. To achieve the highest sampling results, every procedure must be conducted scientifically, accurately, and with absolute caution.

Exhuming martyrs’ graves takes place within a sacred space where fallen heroes rest. Consequently, every cadre and soldier on duty must maintain solemnity in every word, gesture, and action. Each opening of a tomb cover, sample extraction, and bone sample cleaning must be executed with the highest sense of responsibility. Today’s meticulousness determines tomorrow’s testing accuracy, as a single minor error can affect the entire process of martyr identification.

According to leaders of the provincial Military Command, during the deployment of the 500-Day Campaign, functional forces encounter numerous hurdles. Most heroes and martyrs resting in the cemeteries sacrificed during the anti-French resistance war. After many decades, bone samples have severely decomposed, leaving few items for cross-referencing. Numerous cemeteries have undergone multiple renovations and restorations, causing outer coffin positions to shift off-center, complicating exhumation and sampling. Furthermore, rainy season weather in Điện Biên proves unpredictable, alternating between sun and rain, impacting exhumation progress.

Yet the greatest challenge remains time. With each passing day, historical witnesses grow fewer, and final traces gradually fade. A delay of one step risks losing the final opportunity to recover the identities of those who sacrificed. Thus, racing against time today is a race to preserve historical memory.

Completing the campaign’s objectives requires synchronous and long-term solutions alongside the determination of forces conducting sampling at cemeteries. Focus must now shift strongly toward identifying remains through gene banks and national databases. The Ministry of Public Security, Defense Ministry, and Ministry of Home Affairs need to continue synchronizing data regarding martyrs, graves, relatives, and gene banks to shorten cross-referencing times and raise identity determination rates.

In addition, establishing a rapid data response network and strongly applying digital transformation in information management and database connectivity are essential. Concurrently, appropriate socialization mechanisms should be formed to mobilize technology enterprises to support equipment, digital infrastructure, and modern data analysis solutions. Combining scientific strength with political system responsibility and public consensus will grant the campaign added momentum to reach the finish line on schedule.

The “500-day campaign” is not merely an action plan. It is a historic promise made by today’s generation to those who fell for the Fatherland. That promise becomes complete only when every martyr has the chance to be called by name, every family gains renewed hope of reunion, and every sacrifice is remembered by the country through concrete actions. This is also how the moral tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source” continues to be preserved, nurtured, and passed on to future generations.