In early April 2025, the Nghệ An Province Military Command's search team made a significant discovery in Laos, unearthing the remains of a soldier along with several artifacts at Thăm Xe mountain, located in Loong Chẹng village, Xaysomboun province. The remains were found buried more than one meter deep, accompanied by items such as an AK ammunition box, a multi-tool shovel, and shoe soles from the Vietnamese army.
Among the artifacts, a comb was particularly noteworthy, engraved with the words "Hạnh Phúc" (Happiness) on one side and "Thanh Lữ" or "Thanh Lý" on the other. This discovery not only sheds light on the personal belongings of the soldiers who once served but also brings a sense of closure to their families.
As of April 12, after nearly six months of diligent searching during the 2024-2025 dry season, the team has successfully retrieved a total of 65 remains of Vietnamese soldiers and experts who perished in Laos. The breakdown of these discoveries includes 58 remains from Xiengkhoang province, 6 from Xaysomboun province, and 1 from Vientiane province.
The retrieved remains and artifacts have been transported to the memorial house dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who lost their lives in Laos. This memorial is located in Phôn Sa Vẳn town, Xiengkhoang province, serving as a solemn tribute to their sacrifice.
The historical context of these discoveries is rooted in the period from 1949 to 1989, when Vietnam sent military forces to assist the Lao revolution. This involvement led to the establishment of a separate military system known as the volunteer army. Over the years, thousands of Vietnamese soldiers lost their lives or sustained injuries while serving in Laos, making the retrieval of their remains a matter of great importance.
Nghệ An province, which shares the longest border with Laos at over 468 kilometers, has been actively involved in the search and retrieval efforts. Authorities from both Vietnam and Laos collaborate annually to repatriate the remains of fallen soldiers. To date, Nghệ An has successfully worked with various Lao provinces to locate and retrieve nearly 13,000 remains of volunteer soldiers and experts.
However, the task of locating these remains is fraught with challenges. The search teams face harsh weather conditions, treacherous mountainous terrain, and the ever-present danger of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts. Many of the graves are situated in remote areas that were once hotspots during the war, making accessibility difficult.
Despite these obstacles, the search team has shown remarkable resilience and determination. With the support and guidance of the 515 Steering Committee and local authorities, the team has been able to overcome many difficulties to fulfill their mission. The retrieval efforts not only serve to honor the memory of those who fell but also provide closure to their families.
As the search continues, the team remains committed to expanding their efforts in the surrounding areas of Thăm Xe mountain, hoping to recover more remains and artifacts that could tell the stories of those who sacrificed their lives for their country.
The significance of these discoveries extends beyond the retrieval of remains; they also serve as a poignant reminder of the historical ties between Vietnam and Laos, forged through shared struggles and sacrifices. Each recovered artifact and piece of history brings the nation one step closer to recognizing and honoring the contributions of its soldiers.
As of now, the Nghệ An Province Military Command team continues its vital work, driven by the mission to honor the past while ensuring that the memories of these brave soldiers are preserved for future generations. Their dedication to this cause reflects the deep respect and gratitude that the Vietnamese people hold for those who served and sacrificed in foreign lands.
