The camaraderie and loyalty remain intact.

Through their persistent, responsible, and humane actions, the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs has been contributing to healing the wounds left by the war. Each journey, each deed, is a vivid testament to the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source."

On the first day of December, the road leading to the martyrs' cemetery in Tran Yen commune seemed to fall silent in the slow pace of the mourners. Amidst the funeral music, the remains of martyr Do Huu Binh, after more than half a century lying in the distant battlefields of Southern Vietnam, returned to his homeland. The national flag draped over the coffin, its crimson hue shimmering in the thin mist, seemed to embrace a life left unfinished, a belated but meaningful promise of return.

Ceremony for receiving, commemorating, and burying the remains of martyr Do Huu Binh.

Amidst the silent crowd, Mr. Do Ngoc An, the younger brother of martyr Do Huu Binh, stood silently for a long time beside his newly dug grave. More than 50 years after the family received the death certificate with only the words "died on the Southern front," today his eldest brother is finally being called by his rightful name and from his rightful homeland. "There were years when the family almost lost all hope, but there were still people who didn't forget my brother. Today, he has returned to his motherland. For the family, that is something irreplaceable," Mr. An said, his voice choked with emotion.

The ceremony of receiving, commemorating, and burying martyr Do Huu Binh was not only a moment of family reunion but also the culmination of a long journey, continued by memories, responsibilities, and the camaraderie of his former comrades. Behind that solemn burial ceremony lies the perseverance and dedication of the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs – those who quietly seek names for anonymous graves, seeking peace for families who have waited far too long.

In 2025, from the faded records of fallen soldiers, many of whom only had death certificates vaguely stating "died on the Southern front," the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Fallen Soldiers compiled, reviewed, and cross-referenced information. Each unit designation, battlefield location, and cemetery was traced back through the memories of the veterans.

In addition to providing legal support, the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Fallen Soldiers also mobilizes funds and resources, and directly sends its members to former battlefields to search for, exhume, and relocate the remains of fallen soldiers.

From 2023 to the present, the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs has brought the remains of 24 martyrs back to their hometowns.

Mr. Pham Thanh Hien, from the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Martyrs, stated: "In Lao Cai province, there are still many families who wish to bring the remains of their fallen soldiers back to their hometowns. Among them are many families facing difficult circumstances and lacking the financial means to bring the remains of their martyrs back home."

In 2025, the association directly assisted in bringing the remains of five fallen soldiers back to their hometowns, coordinating with local Party committees and authorities to organize solemn and proper memorial and burial ceremonies. The total funds raised for these commemorative activities during the year amounted to 2.211 billion VND. This figure not only reflects the efforts in mobilizing social resources but also represents the community's collective support for those who sacrificed their lives.

Members of the Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs, along with relatives of martyrs, at the National Martyrs Cemetery on Highway 9 ( Quang Tri ).

With unwavering loyalty to his former comrades, despite having only one arm and being advanced in age, the steps of Labor Hero of the Renovation Period, Khong Minh Quy – Vice Chairman of the Association for Supporting Fallen Soldiers in Lao Cai Province – have never faltered. Ahead lies a promise to his fallen comrades, a fervent desire to bring them back to their homeland. He has personally accompanied many families to cemeteries throughout Southern Vietnam to find and bring their fallen comrades back home. Mr. Quy shared: “From 2023 to the present, the Association for Supporting Families of Fallen Soldiers in Lao Cai Province has brought the remains of 24 fallen soldiers back to their hometowns. Despite the difficulties and hardships, for us, it is not only a responsibility but also a command from the heart.”

Alongside the search for the remains of fallen soldiers, the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Fallen Soldiers also focuses on caring for the lives of their relatives – those who have silently endured loss for many years. Last year, the association organized two meetings with families of fallen soldiers on the occasion of July 27th and the Lunar New Year 2025, creating a space for gratitude, sharing, and connection between families and those involved in charitable work.

From the funds raised, the association has supported the construction and renovation of 22 houses of gratitude, including 18 new houses and 4 renovated houses, with an average support of 60 million VND per house, and some houses receiving up to 90 million VND. These houses not only provide stable housing for the families of martyrs but also serve as a spiritual anchor, enabling them to continue honoring their deceased loved ones.

In 2025, the Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs provided assistance in building and repairing 22 houses of gratitude for relatives of martyrs and families entitled to preferential policies.

In his new house, still smelling of fresh plaster, in Nuoc Mat village, Au Lau ward, joy was evident on Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hau's face. His family home is where he worships two Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and three fallen soldiers. His old, cramped, dilapidated house, which had been in disrepair for many years, has been replaced with a sturdy, more spacious home thanks to the contributions of friends and family, and a 60 million VND donation from the Association for Supporting Families of Fallen Soldiers.

The Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs presented financial assistance to the family of Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hau.

Mr. Hau slowly rearranged the incense burners on the altar, his eyes filled with joy and gratitude. His voice softened as he shared, "Having a new house gives the family more peace of mind, especially in worshipping our mothers and fallen soldiers. This is not just material support, but a great encouragement for our descendants to continue preserving the family traditions."

Showing concern for the families of martyrs, the Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs also awarded 109 gifts, each worth 500,000 VND, to relatives of martyrs during the Lunar New Year and upon handing over houses of gratitude; presented savings accounts to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers; and organized a delegation of 35 veterans, members, and relatives of martyrs to visit their comrades in the South, combining this with searching for information on the remains of martyrs. Through this, the association established information on 100 martyrs' graves resting at Anh Son International Cemetery ( Nghe An ), helping many families find their loved ones.

Providing financial support for the construction of charitable houses.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Huy – Vice Chairman of the Au Lau Ward People's Committee, assessed: “The activities of the Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs have great significance for social welfare work in the area. Not only does it care for the families of martyrs, but the association also contributes to educating about traditions and spreading the spirit of 'Drinking water, remembering the source' in the community, especially among the younger generation.”

Another highlight of the association's commemorative activities is its collaboration with the Youth Union to organize traditional talks and tributes to martyrs at schools. Stories about the war and the sacrifices of heroic martyrs, recounted through the memories of those who experienced it firsthand, help the younger generation better understand the value of peace, fostering a sense of responsibility and gratitude.

Looking ahead, with the quiet demeanor of someone who has traveled extensively and dedicated many years to the association's activities, Mr. Dong Quang Hung – Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs – affirmed that the Association will continue to persevere with its chosen goal: “In the coming time, we will continue to review records, expand information networks, and leverage the support of agencies, units, and the community to search for more remains of martyrs. Simultaneously, we will better care for the relatives of martyrs, so that no family is forgotten.”

The war is long over, but the bonds of camaraderie never cease. On the paths of searching for the remains of fallen soldiers, in the newly completed houses of gratitude, and in the silent gaze of their families, the enduring and profound mark of the Lao Cai Provincial Association for Supporting Families of Fallen Soldiers is evident. Every action, every journey, is not only an expression of gratitude to those who have fallen, but also a reminder of our responsibility to the past. When the sons and daughters of the nation are returned to their rightful homes, the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source" continues to be nurtured and spread.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ven-nguyen-nghia-tinh-dong-doi-post889573.html