Some 10 sets of remains of Vietnamese servicemen who died in a war against invaders from the North were given military burial in the area they fell more than 40 years ago.

Unearthed on what used to be the battlefield, they are among more than 4,000 officers and soldiers who died in Vi Xuyen in the Northern Province of Ha Giang, the battle is listed among the fiercest in Vietnam’s wars against invaders.

A memorial service was held on Sunday in the attendance of former President Truong Tan Sang, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, and high-ranking officials of the central and local bodies.

The remains were buried at the Vi Xuyen National Martyr Cemetery, Ha Giang Province.

Addressing the memorial ceremony, Chairman of the Ha Giang People’s Committee Nguyen Van Son said Ha Giang – the country’s northernmost province – was the theater of the fiercest border-defense battle. 

With the spirit of not compromising with the enemy, not giving up even an iota of land and vowing to fight until the last breath, the army and people succeeded in protecting the entire border of the Fatherland.

Approximately 2,000 soldiers who fell at Vi Xuyen battle in 1979-1989 are still unaccounted for. The war also wounded more than 10,000 others.

In defending the northern border, local military units, militia, self-defense forces, and local residents coordinated with the army to drive out the foreign invaders. The war caused uncountable damage to the country. 

Former President Truong Tan Sang, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam brought sets of remains to the burial ceremony. Photos: VGP

The sets of remains were unearthed in Thanh Thuy Commune, Vi Xuyen District, Ha Giang.

The ceremonies mark the attendance of officers and high-profile officials.

Veterans pay homage to their comrades who fell at Vi Xuyen.

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam offers incense to the fallen combatants at the Vi Xuyen National Martyr Cemetery.