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Pilot implementation at Chau Thanh martyrs’ cemetery

In recent days, at Chau Thanh Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phu Huu Commune, Dong Thap Province, local authorities have been urgently carrying out the excavation, sampling, and transfer of samples from fallen soldiers’ remains in accordance with professional procedures. From early morning, members of the sampling team have been present at the site to perform their assigned tasks. The entire process is conducted in a closed and systematic manner, from excavation, sample collection, data digitization, sample management and preservation, to restoring graves to their original condition upon completion.

Chau Thanh Martyrs’ Cemetery was selected as the pilot site to assess and refine procedures before implementing the program province-wide. The cemetery currently contains hundreds of graves bearing only the inscription “Information Unknown,” reflecting longstanding challenges in the identification of fallen soldiers.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Chief of Political Affairs of the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command, said that the unit had excavated and collected samples from 442 unidentified martyrs’ graves at Chau Thanh Martyrs’ Cemetery. Upon completion of the pilot phase, participating units will conduct evaluations and draw lessons learned before expanding the program to other martyrs’ cemeteries throughout the province.

After nearly one week of implementation, authorities have collected more than 70 samples from unidentified fallen soldiers’ remains and are expected to continue the work through the end of June 2026. All information related to graves and remains samples is being digitized and entered into a database system to support future management, comparison, and identification efforts.

Authorities in Dong Thap Province record information for the digitization of data on graves and fallen soldiers’ remains samples. (Photo: VNA)

Efforts to fulfill a mission of gratitude

To ensure both progress and quality, the Steering Committee 515 of Dong Thap Province has established a specialized team for sampling fallen soldiers’ remains, along with several dedicated groups responsible for excavation, sampling, data digitization, security, logistics, transportation, communications, and ceremonial activities.

According to Captain Nguyen Nhat Minh, Assistant Officer of the Engineering Branch under the Staff Division of the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command, graves in different cemeteries vary in structure, requiring personnel to carefully study excavation plans to ensure effectiveness while avoiding impacts on surrounding graves. After samples are collected, the remains are reinterred, and the graves are reconstructed to their original condition, ensuring both the cemetery’s appearance and its solemnity.

“This is the first time our unit has participated in the ‘500-day-and-night campaign to accelerate the search, recovery, and identification of fallen soldiers’ remains.’ Despite numerous challenges, all members have continuously strived to study and learn in order to successfully fulfill their assigned duties,” Captain Nguyen Nhat Minh shared.

Many young soldiers performing compulsory military service are also participating in the campaign. Senior Sergeant Ngo Minh Hien of Infantry Regiment 320 said that taking part in the excavation and reconstruction of graves has given him a deeper appreciation of the immense sacrifices made by fallen heroes, thereby strengthening his sense of responsibility toward his assigned tasks.

For Private Le Dai Phat, the campaign has been one of the most memorable experiences of his military service. He believes that the search for and identification of fallen soldiers’ remains is a sacred mission that reflects the nation’s enduring tradition of gratitude toward those who sacrificed their lives for the Fatherland.

More than 21,000 graves to be sampled for DNA analysis

According to the plan of the Steering Committee 515 of Dong Thap Province, by July 27, 2027, the province will complete the collection and transfer of samples from 11,810 unidentified martyrs’ graves located in cemeteries across the province. Samples will also be collected from newly recovered and repatriated fallen soldiers’ remains.

During the period from July 2027 through the end of 2030, Dong Thap will continue collecting samples from 9,346 graves that still lack information or contain only partial information and whose identities cannot yet be established through conventional verification methods. As a result, the total number of martyrs’ graves expected to undergo DNA sampling in the province will exceed 21,000.

Alongside the sampling process, the province will complete the digitization and updating of all related data into the software system for managing information on fallen soldiers’ remains samples, as well as the national database on individuals who rendered meritorious service to the revolution.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Tuan Anh stated that the process is being carried out in strict accordance with Procedure No. 01 issued by the Military Medical Department, ensuring that samples are not mixed up and that DNA cross-contamination is prevented. Participating units are also required to guarantee absolute safety for personnel, vehicles, and equipment, while restoring all graves to their original condition after sampling is completed.

The large-scale implementation of DNA sampling not only enhances the effectiveness of efforts to identify fallen soldiers but also demonstrates the profound gratitude of the Party, the State, and the people toward those who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom. Every successfully collected DNA sample creates another opportunity for martyrs’ families to recover information about their loved ones after many years of waiting, helping to fill longstanding gaps in both history and the lives of Vietnamese families.

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