In recent years, under the direction of the Party Committee and the Command of Military Region 2, the application of science and technology, particularly DNA testing, has opened new pathways in identifying fallen soldiers, helping restore names to those who gave their lives for the nation.

Điện Biên province, a historic land tied to the resounding Điện Biên Phủ Victory, is home to seven war cemeteries with a total of 7,165 graves. Of these, 715 graves have full information, 653 contain partial details, while as many as 5,273 remain unidentified. This is the highest number among provinces in Military Region 2, underscoring the urgent need to accelerate identification efforts to meet the legitimate expectations of families and society at large.

As part of the “500-day-and-night campaign to intensify the search, recovery and identification of fallen soldiers’ remains”, Steering Committee 515 of Military Region 2, along with provincial Steering Committees 515, has rolled out a plan to collect DNA samples from unidentified graves. Under the plan, by July 2027, the entire region aims to complete sampling for 11,733 unidentified graves across 179 cemeteries. In Điện Biên alone, samples will be collected from 5,273 unidentified graves at seven cemeteries.

In the next phase, from July 2027 to July 2030, the campaign will expand to include graves with partial information but unidentified identities. A total of 1,362 graves at 68 cemeteries will undergo sampling. In Điện Biên, this includes 54 graves with partial information and 720 unidentified graves in two communes and wards. This systematic approach reflects the strong political commitment of Military Region 2 to fulfilling a sacred historical mission.

However, the identification process, especially in mountainous and border areas like Điện Biên, faces significant challenges. Most of the fallen soldiers died during the resistance war against French colonial forces more than 70 years ago. Over time, and under harsh natural conditions, many remains have deteriorated, making DNA sampling difficult. In many cases, samples are no longer viable for testing, or results lack sufficient reliability. While DNA technology has advanced, it remains costly and time consuming, requiring close coordination among multiple specialized agencies. Collecting biological samples from relatives also presents obstacles, as many families have relocated and contact information is incomplete.

Against this backdrop, to effectively implement the 500-day-and-night campaign and achieve the goal of largely identifying fallen soldiers’ remains by 2030, Điện Biên province must pursue a range of coordinated solutions. First, it is essential to step up public awareness efforts, helping authorities, sectors and citizens better understand the humanitarian significance of this work, while encouraging families to provide information and participate in DNA sample collection.

At the same time, authorities need to review and improve records and databases on fallen soldiers, while applying digital technologies to manage and connect information across agencies. Close cooperation with reputable research institutes and DNA testing centers will be key to improving accuracy and shortening analysis time.

In addition, sufficient financial resources, equipment and human resources must be ensured for this critical task. Mobilizing the participation of socio-political organizations, businesses and the wider community will help ease budget pressures while amplifying the program’s humanitarian impact.

More than a political task, identifying fallen soldiers’ remains is a journey of rediscovering memory, bridging the past and the present, and healing the wounds of war. Each grave that is “given back its name” brings spiritual closure to a family and stands as a profound expression of gratitude from the Party, the State and the people to those who sacrificed for the nation’s independence and freedom.

With strong determination from Military Region 2 and coordinated efforts from Điện Biên province and the entire political system, there is confidence that by 2030, DNA-based identification of fallen soldiers will achieve significant results, fulfilling a sacred duty and further affirming the humane and noble nature of the nation’s values.