Young people spread the historical autumn - Searching for martyrs' remains: A female student's journey of gratitude

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Ngo Thi Thanh Huyen, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM), believes that finding the remains of martyrs not only eases the pain of families whose loved ones died for the country, but also demonstrates the responsibility of those who live in peace and independence. Huyen's journey began with a personal story.

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Ngo Thi Thanh Huyen is searching for names on tombstones at a martyrs cemetery in the Central region. Photo: NVCC

In April 2025, Huyen learned that her grandfather's uncle had died in Gia Lai during the years of fighting against the US, and his remains had not yet been found. Thinking that she had youthful enthusiasm and IT skills, Huyen decided to start her journey to find him. Starting from finding basic information, connecting with groups and volunteers, finding his comrades and other martyrs' relatives, and searching for information on social networks, Huyen found the place where the martyrs who died in that battle were gathered, and through comparing documents, the female student found her uncle's grave at An Khe Martyrs' Cemetery.

Realizing that she had some ability in searching for records and documents, Huyen started her job of supporting the search for martyrs' remains. Because it was a completely unfamiliar field, learning and researching information and terminology was also a big challenge. Every time there was a post in the groups Searching for Martyrs' Remains, Association for Supporting Relatives in Searching for Remains, etc., Huyen carefully read each comment and asked each related person. The female student said: "I still remember one time I was assigned to see if there was any new information, but after 5 hours I was still searching, reading and taking notes. The difficulty of this job is that there is no specific process, I have to search and store data myself to compare when needed."

Fortunately, Huyen is not alone on this special journey. Through posts on groups, Huyen has had the opportunity to chat with relatives who are also searching for the remains of their loved ones. And on each journey, Huyen has received enthusiastic support from relatives of martyrs, war veterans, and authorities. Wherever there is information, Huyen stops by to ask. Just from April until now, Huyen has visited more than 10 cemeteries, martyrs' temples, and national historical sites across the country.

A grateful generation

Walking along the long rows of steles, her eyes carefully scanning each word in the hope of finding the names on the list, but then Huyen had to leave and continue searching somewhere else. However, Huyen was never discouraged. The female student confided: “I had identified that difficulty from the beginning, although I always wished to see a few names of martyrs that my relatives knew were looking for. Every time I clasped my hands in prayer when passing each stele, I hoped that the martyrs could rest in peace, knowing that there would always be people who remembered and visited them.” And then, one time when she visited the Doan Mang Yang Heroic Martyrs Memorial Temple, on two large steles in the temple, Huyen saw the name of a martyr on the list she was looking for. An indescribable happiness flooded her heart when her efforts bore fruit, a family had found their loved one.

Anyone who hears Huyen's story is full of worries: "It's very difficult", "It's very difficult", "Be careful not to be suspected of profiteering"... But for Huyen, each generation always has its own concerns, but love for the Fatherland and love for compatriots is always the most common point. Therefore, this journey will always continue, in one way or another. Today's young generation is continuing the responsibility of nurturing and promoting patriotism, gradually following the previous generation to fulfill the wishes of the whole nation.

That journey not only had its hardships, but also left many valuable lessons and experiences. Huyen said: “Sitting among the veterans made me feel like I was filled with love. And that is also a way for me to grow up, so that they can see that the youth are always there, continuing and preserving history”. Huyen’s journey is still very small, but it not only shows the resilience and determination of a child of red blood and yellow skin, but is also a positive sign in the work of preserving, protecting and continuing patriotic values.

GRACE

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nguoi-tre-lan-toa-mua-thu-lich-su-di-tim-hai-cot-liet-si-hanh-trinh-biet-on-cua-nu-sinh-vien-post810321.html