The remains were recently recovered by Team K52 of the Gia Lai Provincial Military Command in the E7 and H5 areas, now part of Ia Boòng Commune.
The ceremony, attended by central and local officials, military representatives, and hundreds of residents, paid tribute to the martyrs whose sacrifices contributed to Vietnam’s reunification. Delegates performed bell-ringing, incense-offering, and flower-offering rituals amid a deeply emotional atmosphere.
Representing the central government were Lê Thị Thủy, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Secretary of the Government Party Committee; representatives of the National 515 Steering Committee; and leaders from Military Region 5, Corps 34, and Corps 15.
Provincial officials included Phạm Anh Tuấn, Chairman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee; Trương Văn Đạt, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council; and Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch, Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial People’s Committee and Head of the Provincial 515 Steering Committee.
Vice Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Thanh Lịch expressed deep gratitude to the fallen soldiers, stating: “The martyrs lived meaningful youth, fought bravely, and heroically sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation. Their blood has blended with the red soil of the Central Highlands so that today our people may live in peace and prosperity”.
According to the Provincial 515 Steering Committee, Team K52 searched six locations between October 6 and 20 in Gà Village and Ninh Phúc Hamlet, Ia Boòng Commune, based on local reports. The remains of 18 martyrs were discovered in the garden of a local resident, Ksor Tân. The mission reflects the ongoing efforts of the Party, State, and families to locate and repatriate fallen soldiers from past conflicts.
Gia Lai Province, a former key battlefield during both the French and American wars, holds a particularly strategic position in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Areas such as Ia Drang, Plei Me, and Ia Boòng were sites of fierce battles involving major military units including Regiments 33, 66, and 320, and Divisions 10 and 968.
Among those attending the ceremony was Ngô Minh Hiến from Hưng Yên Province, a relative of martyr Ngô Đình Hào who died in 1971 at Ia Boòng. Hiến said his family hoped ADN testing could confirm his uncle’s identity so that his remains could be returned home. “When I heard Team K52 found 18 sets of martyrs’ remains here, I was deeply moved”, he said, his voice trembling.
Local resident Phạm Văn Tùng of Ia Boòng Commune also shared his emotions: “Seeing the martyrs brought back to the cemetery today, everyone is moved and proud. We vow to teach our children and grandchildren to live well, worthy of such sacrifice”.
Following the interment ceremony, Chairman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee Phạm Anh Tuấn presented gifts and commended Team K52 for their dedication in locating and repatriating the remains, acknowledging their significant contribution to honoring the nation’s war heroes.
As the final notes of the funeral bugle faded, the 18 soldiers were laid to rest in the red earth of Chư Prông, a land steeped in history and sacrifice, where they will remain forever among their comrades.
Some images captured by reporters at the Memorial, Tribute, and Burial Ceremony for 18 martyrs’ remains at Chư Prông Martyrs’ Cemetery (Gia Lai Province):
