The Vietnam Martyrs’ Families Support Association has made significant progress over the last 15 years, establishing itself as a key player in honoring the legacies of Vietnam’s war martyrs and supporting their families. With nearly 10,000 members organized across 16 associations and multiple local chapters, the association has been pivotal in connecting families with the necessary resources for remembrance and support.
According to Lieutenant General Hoang Khanh Hung, the chairman of the association, their efforts range from gathering information about martyrs to assisting families with the exhumation of remains. "Many of the tasks undertaken by the Vietnam Martyrs’ Families Support Association have achieved high effectiveness... including supporting the transportation of martyrs' remains back to their hometowns," he stated during a recent program highlighting the association's accomplishments.
The association has built extensive networks over the years, implementing broad-based initiatives. From 2010 to 2024, it offered substantial support to the families of martyrs. Notably, they constructed more than 1,158 homes for families, repaired 105 houses, and distributed 2,886 savings books, along with scholarships to nearly 880 students. This assistance has not only helped improve living conditions but also provided educational opportunities for the children of martyrs.
The role of the Vietnam Martyrs’ Families Support Association has been enhanced by digital initiatives. Their website, trianlietsi.vn, has gathered more than 30,500 articles and videos, drawing over 24 million views from over 130 countries. This online presence has helped raise awareness and promote the association’s mission, linking families to the support they require.
These efforts extend to working closely with various media outlets to disseminate information and amplify community engagement. The association also collaborates with international organizations, such as the U.S. Peace Institute, to build connections and secure resources. This coordination has allowed them to gather valuable information on martyrs who perished abroad, enriching their archival data.
Looking forward to 2025, the association has ambitious plans focusing on identifying more martyrs by collaborating with families to amend tombstone inscriptions. General Hung mentioned, "We strive to identify 160 to 170 martyrs' names on tombstones through the collection of information with family cooperation," emphasizing the importance of accurate records for honoring the fallen.
The benefits of the association’s initiatives were highlighted through various cultural and community events. Programs like "Living Forever with the Nation" encourage families of martyrs to share their stories, fostering empathy and solidarity within the community. These engagements generated impressive participation, with nearly 1.8 billion VND raised for various causes.
The Vietnam Martyrs’ Families Support Association also emphasized the continued necessity for resource mobilization to achieve their goals. While they have seen some success, challenges remain—particularly concerning financial sustainability and member engagement. General Hung acknowledged, "While we have achieved many beautiful results, we still face difficulties with fundraising and partner cooperation."
The association's resolve to continue its mission remains strong. They plan to conduct more community outreach, including traditional storytelling sessions at schools and other institutions to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and the importance of supporting their families.
General Hung expressed gratitude for the media's support, recognizing the integral role they play in amplifying the association's efforts to honor Vietnam’s martyrs. The work done by the association not only aids individual families but also strengthens national respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Through their comprehensive strategies and community-focused approach, the Vietnam Martyrs’ Families Support Association is dedicated to ensuring the legacies of the martyrs are remembered and their families are cared for. With plans steadily set for the future, the association is committed to weaving the tales of these heroes deeply within the fabric of society, fostering remembrance and gratitude for generations to come.