A close-up view of the mementos of a fallen soldier from Nghe An province, recently returned by a former American soldier.
Dinh Tuan•May 1, 2025 10:29
The priceless mementos contained in a box, including the identity card of martyr Kha Van Viet, a letter of introduction for his participation in the youth union, a certificate of commendation, postage stamps, etc., were returned to the martyr's family during the "Echoing the Triumphal Song" program held on the evening of April 27th on VTV.
On the evening of April 27th, the national televised program "The Triumphal Song Resounds Forever" took place with great solemnity, connecting three historical locations: Hanoi, Quang Tri, and Ho Chi Minh City. One of the most touching moments in the program was the meeting between Mr. Adolph Novello, a former US Marine, and the family of fallen soldier Kha Van Viet in Vietnam.Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh could not hold back their tears of emotion when witnessing the return of the relics of martyr Kha Van Viet to his family.Martyr Kha Van Viet was born and raised in a Thai ethnic family in Pa Ty village, Yen Tinh commune, Tuong Duong district. At the age of 17, he joined the army because of his good health and agility. In 1967, during the fierce battle at Khe Sanh, Martyr Kha Van Viet died at the age of 20. He left no mementos for his family. The photo shows the house where Martyr Kha Van Viet is worshipped. Photo: Dinh TuanAs is customary on April 30th, July 27th, September 2nd, or during holidays, the Party committee, local authorities, and people from within and outside the village often come to offer incense to martyr Kha Van Viet. Photo: Dinh TuanUpon hearing that the family of martyr Kha Van Viet had brought his mementos back for safekeeping, many people have come to inquire, chat, and express their desire to see firsthand the priceless relics of this outstanding son of the homeland who bravely sacrificed his life to protect the country. In the photo, Mrs. Kha Thi Loan, the older sister of martyr Kha Van Viet, opens a box containing many of the martyr's mementos. Photo: Dinh TuanInside the box were priceless mementos: the identity card of martyr Kha Van Viet, a letter of introduction for youth union activities, a certificate of commendation, a certificate of injury, postage stamps... The photo shows the front and back of the identity card of martyr Kha Van Viet. Photo: Dinh TuanThe only photograph of martyr Kha Van Viet is a memento the family had never seen before. Ms. Kha Thi Loan, from Pa Ty village, Yen Tinh commune, Tuong Duong district (the older sister of martyr Kha Van Viet), said: "For many years, I have vividly remembered the figure, face, and gestures of my younger brother, but almost none of the children in the family knew. Having this photograph will help the children and grandchildren recognize his face and have a clearer picture of their uncle. My family is very grateful to the American veteran for returning these valuable mementos." Photo: Dinh TuanLetter of introduction for the Youth Union activities of martyr Kha Van Viet. Photo: Dinh TuanCertificate of commendation. Photo: Dinh TuanInjury certificate and death certificate of martyr Kha Van Viet. Photo: Dinh TuanThe mementos left behind by martyr Kha Van Viet are like sacred pieces of a puzzle, connecting the past and the present. Hopefully, these mementos will reveal valuable information to help the family, local community, and unit locate the martyr's grave. Photo: Dinh TuanPreserving and cherishing these relics is also about preserving historical memory, contributing to educating future generations to appreciate the value of today's peaceful life. Photo: Dinh Tuan
