In a solemn and determined effort spanning five years, Military Region 7 of Vietnam has made significant strides in the search, recovery, and identification of the remains of martyrs—soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives during the wars, particularly on Cambodian soil. The campaign, running from 2021 to 2025, stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Vietnamese people and their armed forces to the principle of “Uống nước nhớ nguồn”—a national ethos that translates to “When drinking water, remember its source.”
According to Tuổi Trẻ, the search for and collection of martyrs’ remains is regarded as a sacred political task. Major General Trần Chí Tâm, Deputy Political Commissar of Military Region 7 and head of its 515 Steering Committee, emphasized that the unit has consistently followed the directives of the National Steering Committee 515, which oversees the search for the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Cambodia through various periods of conflict. Military Region 7 has regularly monitored conditions on the ground, adjusting the timing and locations of their activities in Cambodia to ensure the most effective operations for the specialized search teams known as Team K.
Between 2021 and 2025, more than 2,600 remains of martyrs were located and collected within the jurisdiction of Military Region 7, with over 2,000 of those recovered in Cambodia and more than 480 found on Vietnamese soil. The tireless work of these teams has answered the daily hopes of countless families longing for closure and the return of their loved ones’ remains. The campaign has not only provided solace to grieving families but also contributed to political and social stability in the region, reinforcing public trust in the policies of the Party and the State regarding the armed forces and their support networks.
The provinces of Đồng Nai and Tây Ninh, both of which witnessed fierce battles during the resistance wars, have played a central role in these efforts. Đồng Nai, for example, had an estimated 21,287 martyrs originally buried within its borders. To date, local authorities have recovered and collected 2,972 sets of remains—a figure that, while significant, is still considered low by officials who are determined to intensify their search in the coming years. The 515 Steering Committee of Đồng Nai has expanded international cooperation, engaging with American veterans and former regime participants to gather information about mass graves in Biên Hòa City, Vĩnh Cửu District, the former Trảng Bom, and Lộc Ninh Airfield. Furthermore, collaboration with Cambodian authorities in the provinces of Karatie and Kampong Thom has enabled Team K72 to recover 795 remains between 2021 and 2025.
Similarly, Tây Ninh province, which lost many soldiers on Cambodian soil, has coordinated with several Cambodian provinces—including Battambang, Pailin, Svay Rieng, Kompong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, and Oddar Meanchey—to recover 1,445 remains. The search missions have been accompanied by strong diplomatic outreach, with Vietnamese authorities providing medical care and civil works for Cambodian local governments and citizens. Such gestures have further cemented the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia, according to Tuổi Trẻ.
Military Region 7’s achievements are not limited to the sheer number of remains recovered. As reported by Quân Đội Nhân Dân, the region’s units have collected more than 47,000 pieces of information related to martyrs and their burial sites. Over the five-year period, they conducted 857 search missions across more than 1,500 locations, resulting in the discovery of 483 remains within Vietnam, including 73 that have been identified by name. In Cambodia, searches spanned 2,400 areas and led to the recovery of 2,172 remains of volunteer soldiers and experts who perished in various conflicts.
At a conference held on the morning of September 18, 2025, Major General Trần Chí Tâm took the opportunity to recognize and commend the dedication and hard work of officers, soldiers, and all those involved in the search and recovery operations. According to Quân Đội Nhân Dân, he described the mission as “a particularly important political task that embodies the national tradition of gratitude and helps ease the pain of martyr families and the entire nation.” He called for continued efforts to enhance the quality of surveys, information collection, and verification, and he urged greater coordination among military units, local governments, and relevant agencies. Major General Tâm also stressed the importance of applying modern technology, expanding public awareness campaigns, and encouraging organizations and individuals to provide information about martyrs and their graves.
The conference also served as an occasion to honor outstanding contributions. Military Region 7 awarded certificates of merit to 22 collectives and 38 individuals, including 15 collectives and 22 individuals specifically recognized for their exemplary performance in the search and recovery of martyrs’ remains during the 2021–2025 period.
Beyond the search for remains, Military Region 7 has implemented a range of policies to support military personnel and their families. Over the past five years, the region resolved social insurance issues for 1,849 cases and addressed benefits related to health insurance, labor accidents, and occupational diseases. A total of 6.2 billion VND was allocated to assist retired military personnel facing hardship, and 8,891 retirees benefited from organized welfare and recuperation programs. The region is also constructing 202 official housing units and has already completed 4,911 gratitude houses for policy beneficiaries, comrades, and citizens in need.
Looking ahead, the Party Committee and Military Command of Military Region 7 have pledged to maintain their leadership and direction, focusing on improving the quality and coordination of search and recovery efforts. They aim to further apply modern technology, strengthen public outreach—especially in remote areas—and build a team of policy officers with strong character and capability. Enhanced supervision, recognition, and timely correction of shortcomings are also on the agenda.
The scope and scale of this mission reflect not just a duty to the past, but a living commitment to the values that underpin Vietnamese society. Each recovered set of remains is a story brought home, a family’s grief eased, and a nation’s promise kept. The search for Vietnam’s martyrs is far from over, but the past five years have shown that with resolve, collaboration, and compassion, progress—though painstaking—remains possible.
