A solemn ceremony was held to receive the remains of 80 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts back to their homeland.
On the afternoon of May 18th, at Nghi Loc Martyrs' Cemetery, the People's Committee of Nghe An province and the Provincial Steering Committee 515 held a ceremony to receive the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and military experts who sacrificed their lives in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, returning them to their homeland.
Attending the ceremony, on behalf of Nghe An province were Comrade Phung Thanh Vinh - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 515, along with representatives from the Provincial Military Command, departments, agencies, local Party committees and authorities, and a large number of people.
On the Lao side, representatives from the Special Working Committees of Xieng Khouang, Vientiane, and Xaysomboun provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic were present.
.jpg)
After a long journey from Phonsavan town, passing through many localities in Laos and the western communes of Nghe An province, the ceremonial convoy carrying 80 remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who died in Laos arrived at the Nghi Loc Martyrs' Cemetery in a solemn and moving atmosphere.
Authorities promptly carried out the handover and reception of the remains into the preservation facility in accordance with military protocol and traditional customs.
Before the altar dedicated to the fallen heroes, Comrade Phung Thanh Vinh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the 515 Steering Committee of Nghe An province, along with delegations from both countries, laid flowers and incense, and observed a moment of silence to express their boundless gratitude to the outstanding sons and daughters of the nation who selflessly sacrificed their lives and blood for the noble revolutionary ideals and pure international solidarity.
The close coordination between the Special Task Force of Nghe An province and the provinces of neighboring Laos throughout the survey, excavation, and handover process at the site once again affirms the high responsibility and close bond between the governments and armed forces of the two countries.
.jpg)
The work of searching for, collecting, and receiving the remains of fallen soldiers back to their homeland is an activity with profound humanitarian and political significance, reflecting the Vietnamese people's principle of "drinking water, remembering the source." The achievement of receiving 80 remains of fallen soldiers during the 2025-2026 dry season is the result of the tireless efforts of the officers and soldiers of the Search and Collection Team of the Nghe An Provincial Military Command, overcoming countless hardships, traversing forests and streams, along with the heartfelt protection and assistance of the Lao people and their families.
Each remains brought back to the country not only fulfills the long-held wish and brings great comfort to the families of fallen soldiers after decades of separation, but also serves as a reminder to today's generation of their responsibility to preserve peace.
The sacrifices of the heroic martyrs are a beautiful symbol of the fighting alliance, the strongest foundation for the great, unwavering, and enduring friendship between the two countries and peoples of Vietnam and Laos.
Immediately after the reception ceremony, all 80 remains of the martyrs were carefully preserved at the cemetery. According to the plan of the People's Committee of Nghe An province, the relevant agencies will organize the collection of biological samples from the martyrs' remains; review and complete the final ceremonial and logistical arrangements.
The memorial service and burial of the remains of the heroic martyrs will be solemnly and respectfully organized by the Provincial Steering Committee 515 at Nghi Loc Martyrs' Cemetery in the coming days, ensuring the profound respect and gratitude of the Party Committee, government, and people of the province towards those who fell for the independence and freedom of the two nations, Vietnam and Laos.