“In the process of searching for martyrs' remains in the forests, mountains, rocks, and deep valleys of the border area, officers and soldiers of the unit had to face countless difficulties, challenges, and dangers. But each person clearly identified their responsibilities, built up their determination, and only hoped to find the martyrs' remains, gather them in the cemetery, or bring them back to their hometowns according to their families' wishes.” Those were the emotional shares of Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Huy, Head of the Martyrs' Remains Search and Collection Team, Tuyen Quang Provincial Military Command, when talking about the sacred and noble mission of the unit in recent years.

Officers and staff of the Martyrs' Remains Search and Collection Team, Military Command of Tuyen Quang province, overcame difficulties, climbed mountains, waded streams, and searched for martyrs' remains.

Speaking with Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Tan, Political Commissar of the Martyrs' Remains Search and Collection Team, Tuyen Quang Provincial Military Command, we learned that the officers and staff in the unit spent many days verifying the field, identifying suspected areas of martyrs' remains, regardless of the sunny or rainy weather, crossing streams, and trekking through forests to search for every inch of land in search of martyrs' remains. Every time they discovered signs of martyrs' remains, even if it was just a small piece of bone, a piece of belt, or a pair of plastic sandals, it was enough to give them more motivation. Therefore, when there was any new information, under any conditions, the brothers in the Team were ready to set out, sometimes having to march dozens of kilometers on foot through forests, rocks, and deep valleys, but absolutely no one was discouraged or wavering...

Colonel Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy Secretary of the Military Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Tuyen Quang Provincial Military Command, said that the search, recovery and collection of martyrs' remains were carried out resolutely and curiously, bringing about many practical results. Based on the instructions and plans of the Ministry of National Defense and Military Region 2, the Provincial Party Committee and Military Command proactively developed a specific plan, suitable to the characteristics of the rugged mountainous area, associated with military and defense tasks and local practical situations.

The task force has actively coordinated with local authorities, people, especially the elderly, prestigious people, and historical witnesses to collect information, review areas where martyrs' remains may be located to plan and compare information to organize the search.

The consistent policy of the Provincial Military Command is to promote the combined strength, apply technology to determine coordinates, combine maps with archival documents, to improve the accuracy in determining the location of suspected martyrs' remains. Training, equipment and logistics for the search force are also given due attention.

Especially during the rainy season, the search area often has landslides, potentially causing safety risks, but the officers and soldiers of the Search and Collection Team still do not fear hardship, stick to the area, and are determined to complete their sacred mission.

Solemnly held ceremony to welcome martyrs for burial at Vi Xuyen National Martyrs Cemetery. Photo: QUOC HOAN

Over the years, the 515 Steering Committee of Military Region 2 has always paid special attention to the search and collection of martyrs' remains in the province. Many times, the leaders of the Military Region directly inspected the field, encouraged soldiers to perform their duties and directed the removal of difficulties in human resources, funding, and information verification techniques. The launching of high-point emulation campaigns and timely rewards for collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements are also a source of encouragement to help the unit confidently complete its tasks.

Also according to Colonel Nguyen Hoai Nam, in the coming time, the Party Committee and the Provincial Military Command will continue to lead and direct the synchronous implementation of many solutions to improve the effectiveness of searching, collecting and collecting martyrs' remains; closely coordinate with functional agencies to conduct DNA testing and identify martyrs. Along with that, professional training and skill development for the collection force, as well as better ensuring equipment and means of outdoor activities are priorities.

Article and photos: NGUYEN HONG SANG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/tuyen-quang-tim-kiem-quy-tap-hai-cot-liet-si-trach-nhiem-thieng-lieng-835788