Specifically, the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command, the standing body of the Provincial Steering Committee, proactively advised on and developed plans and assigned specific tasks; and closely coordinated with relevant departments and sectors, Party committees, and local authorities to review, excavate and collect biological samples at martyrs' cemeteries in the locality.
This work requires meticulousness, accuracy and a high sense of responsibility. At many cemeteries, officers and soldiers had to work in unfavourable weather conditions, with a large number of graves and considerable difficulties encountered during the excavation process. Each grave opened was not merely a professional task, but also an expression of gratitude to those who had sacrificed their lives.
With a high sense of responsibility, officers and soldiers from agencies and units proactively overcame difficulties and organised the work in a scientific and rigorous manner, ensuring progress, quality and safety.
As of September 20, Quang Tri had completed the excavation of all 22,864 out of 22,864 martyrs' graves at 130 out of 130 cemeteries; collected 13,221 biological samples for DNA testing; and completed sampling of 73 newly recovered martyrs' remains. Each biological sample collected provides an additional opportunity to identify a martyr; each piece of information clarified gives another family the chance to welcome their loved one home after decades of separation.
Alongside the sampling task, the province's forces searched for and collected 175 sets of martyrs' remains.
The completion of the biological sampling target is an important step in the journey to identify martyrs' remains. Based on the biological samples collected, competent agencies will continue to conduct DNA testing, cross-check information, and gradually determine the identities and hometowns of the martyrs.
At present, the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command continues to direct efforts to accelerate the search for and collection of martyrs' remains in the province and in neighbouring Laos. The province aims to complete the target of collecting 430 sets of martyrs' remains under the 500-day-and-night Campaign.
