Bringing the remains of fallen soldiers back to their hometowns.

From scattered war cemeteries across former battlefields, the remains of fallen soldiers have been brought back to their hometown of Hai Phong for burial, fulfilling their families' wishes.

Signing the handover and acceptance minutes for the remains of fallen soldiers returning to their hometowns.

Returning after half a century

On January 15th, at the martyrs' cemetery in Ha Dong commune, a large number of officials, citizens, and relatives of fallen soldiers solemnly awaited the arrival of the remains of martyr Hoang Van Be in a deeply moving atmosphere. After many years lying in a distant battlefield, the remains of martyr Hoang Van Be were brought back to his hometown of Ha Dong for burial.

Martyr Hoang Van Be was born in 1952 in Ba Nha village, Hop Duc commune, Thanh Ha district, Hai Duong province (now Ha Dong commune, Hai Phong city). In 1971, when the resistance war against the US was at its most intense, the young man in his early twenties enlisted in the army and was later assigned to Company 1, Battalion 44, K16.

On October 10, 1974, while fighting on the Southern front, soldier Hoang Van Be bravely sacrificed his life. His remains were later interred at Ba Doc Cemetery in Quang Tri province, the resting place of many soldiers who fell in the resistance war against the US to save the country.

Mr. Hoang Van Quang, who worships the martyr Hoang Van Be, shared: “Our family has been waiting for this day for a very long time. After so many years lying in a distant battlefield, today, he has returned to his homeland, to his motherland and his villagers. The family is extremely grateful to the Party, the State, and the authorities at all levels for helping us fulfill this wish.”

Also during those meaningful return visits, on December 17, 2025, Nam An Phu commune received and buried the remains of martyr Vu Van Luon at the commune's martyrs' cemetery. Martyr Vu Van Luon was born in 1956 in Xa Son village. In June 1974, at the age of 18, he volunteered to join the army. After training, Luon was assigned to D5, E76, F4 of Military Region 9, serving as a medic.

On April 25, 1978, while on duty defending the Fatherland in the Southwestern border region, Lượn bravely sacrificed his life at the young age of 22. His remains were interred at the Dốc Bà Đắc Martyrs' Cemetery in Thới Sơn Ward, An Giang Province. For many years, his family has longed to bring him back to his hometown. In accordance with this wish, the Nam An Phụ commune authorities, in coordination with relevant agencies, completed the procedures to transfer the martyr's remains for burial in his hometown.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tuy, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nam An Phu commune, said that bringing the martyrs back to rest in their hometown is a responsibility and also a sacred sentiment of the Party Committee, government, and people of the locality towards those sons and daughters who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

The ceremony to welcome the fallen soldiers in Ha Dong commune was held solemnly.

A Silent Journey

Bringing the remains of fallen soldiers back to their hometowns for burial is the result of a search and verification process by relevant authorities. This work requires perseverance, responsibility, compassion, and close coordination among many sectors and localities.

Over the years, localities within the city, along with relevant departments and agencies, have actively carried out surveys and information gathering, coordinating with specialized units and the Departments of Internal Affairs of provinces and cities to verify and collect the remains of martyrs, bringing them back to their hometowns.

Ms. Cao Thi Hien, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Department of Ha Dong commune, said that behind each martyr's grave is a story of youth, ideals, and silent sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the country. Many passed away at a very young age, before they could get married or fulfill their simple dreams. Therefore, bringing them back to their hometowns not only provides families with a place to worship and offer incense, but also ensures that present and future generations will always remember the contributions of those who have fallen.

According to the Department of War Invalids and Martyrs Affairs, Hai Phong City Department of Internal Affairs, in 2025, the entire city will complete the decoding of symbols, unit designations, and locations where martyrs died, and issue certificates confirming the place of death for 25 cases. Many martyr records continue to be reviewed and updated to complete the data for verification purposes. Many graves in martyrs' cemeteries throughout the city are also being inspected and standardized, facilitating the identification of martyrs and connecting information with their relatives.

The work of searching for, collecting, and identifying the remains of fallen soldiers is not only an important political task but also carries profound humanitarian significance. Each verified case of a fallen soldier, each repatriation of remains to their hometown, contributes to alleviating the pain of war, fulfilling the wishes of their relatives, and demonstrating society's gratitude to those who sacrificed for the Fatherland.

MINH NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/don-hai-cot-liet-si-ve-que-huong-538258.html