Quang Tri holds memorial for 12 Vietnamese martyrs repatriated from Laos

Quang Tri Province on May 22 held a solemn memorial and burial ceremony at the Road 9 National Martyrs’ Cemetery for 12 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died during missions in Savannakhet Province, Laos.

Colonel General Vo Minh Luong, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee 515, attended the ceremony honoring fallen soldiers. The committee is responsible for the search, recovery, and identification of martyrs’ remains. Joining him were Quang Tri’s top provincial leaders, including Party Secretary Nguyen Long Hai and Chairman of the People’s Council Nguyen Dang Quang. A delegation from Laos’ Savannakhet Province, led by Vice Governor and Head of the Special Task Force Linh Thong Seng Ta Van, also participated to pay their respects.

Colonel General Vo Minh Luong, together with leaders of Quang Tri Province and Savannakhet Province, attended the memorial and burial ceremony for the remains of Vietnamese martyrs who died in Laos – Photo: Q.H.

Throughout history, Vietnamese people have bravely defended their homeland. Millions have sacrificed their lives for national independence, freedom, and international solidarity. During the resistance war against the United States, many Vietnamese officers and soldiers died in Laos, leaving lasting sorrow for both nations.

Colonel General Vo Minh Luong and Quang Tri provincial leaders toll the bell. Photo: Q.H.

In recent years, Quang Tri and Savannakhet authorities have actively coordinated efforts to search for and repatriate the remains of Vietnamese martyrs. Joint search teams have carried out numerous missions in challenging terrain, working tirelessly to return fallen soldiers to their homeland.

The 584th Martyrs’ Remains Recovery Team, under the Quang Tri Military Command, led these efforts on the Vietnamese side. Team members traveled hundreds of kilometers across remote regions in Laos. During this year’s dry season, they recovered the remains of 12 Vietnamese martyrs.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Committee Le Duc Tien, who also leads the provincial Steering Committee 515, expressed deep gratitude to the martyrs for their ultimate sacrifice. He thanked the Party, government, and people of Savannakhet for their heartfelt support in locating and recovering the remains.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien, Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 515, delivers the eulogy for the martyrs. Photo: Q.H.

Tien also praised the dedication and perseverance of the 584th Team. He acknowledged their quiet but vital work in fulfilling a sacred responsibility to their fallen comrades.

“We, who live in peace, pledge to carry on the path our martyrs chose,” he said. “We will work together to build a stronger homeland and further deepen the special Vietnam - Laos friendship.”

Representing Savannakhet Province, Vice Governor Linh Thong Seng Ta Van shared his deep appreciation for the Vietnamese martyrs’ sacrifices. He emphasized that the Lao Party, government, and people will always remember their contribution as a sacred symbol of the Vietnam - Laos alliance.

Quang Tri provincial leaders solemnly pay tribute to the martyrs. Photo: Q.H.

“We pray their souls rest peacefully in eternity and that the people of both countries will always honor their memory,” he said.

Quang Tri provincial leaders offer incense. Photo: Q.H

The ceremony concluded in a solemn, respectful atmosphere. Delegates, military personnel, and local residents offered incense and flowers to pay tribute. The burial of the 12 martyrs followed full military honors, demonstrating Vietnam’s enduring gratitude to those who gave their lives for the nation and for the unbreakable bond between Vietnam and Laos.

Q.H - Tung Lam