Dong Nai accelerates repatriation of martyrs’ remains

Dong Nai (VNA) - Eight single graves and a mass grave filled with soldiers who died during wars against the French and US have been found in the southern province of Dong Nai so far this year.

The graves were discovered after local authorities, organisations, war veterans and people combed 1.5 hectares of land, the steering board for search and repatriation of martyrs’ remains in Dong Nai province reported on October 13.

They are located in Long Khanh town, Bien Hoa city and Cam My and Thong Nhat districts, the board said, noting that all resources have been mobilised for the search of martyrs whose number is believed to exceed 1,000.

However, changes in place names and terrain due to rapid urbanisation and ambiguous information about the fallen soldiers have hindered the efforts, said Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Hoa Hiep, also head of the steering board.

According to the board, martyrs’ graves are thought to scatter Bien Hoa airport, Binh Loc and Suoi Tre communes in Long Khanh town, Binh Son, Binh Phuoc and Long An communes in Long Thanh district, Xuan Truong commune in Xuan Loc district, and Phu Hoa commune in Dinh Quan district.

Hiep called on local authorities to raise the sense of responsibility and public awareness for the search and repatriation of the remains of martyrs.

Dong Nai was an important strategic base in wars against French and US forces, witnessing fierce fights during which multiple soldiers were killed.-VNA