The samples were collected from unidentified graves in cemeteries across Can Tho City and the provinces of Ca Mau, An Giang, Vinh Long and Dong Thap. The collection work under the 500-Day Campaign has been completed eight months ahead of schedule.
Major General Huynh Van Ngon, Deputy Political Commissar of Military Region 9, said: "Military Region 9 completed its target under the 500-day campaign eight months ahead of schedule. The initial phase was particularly challenging. During the rainy season, for some graves, we had to dig as deep as three metres before reaching the remains of fallen soldiers to collect samples."
Local authorities in Military Region 9 have now collected nearly 41,000 biological samples. This was the 11th time the region has transported and handed over samples for identification, but the first time they have been carried on a military aircraft.
Major General Hoang Van Lau, Director of Political Affairs, Air Defense - Air Force Service, said: "This flight is a tribute to those who came before us. We carefully prepared the crew and selected our best pilots to ensure a safe flight".
Colonel, Pilot Quan Trong Hai, Deputy Political Commissar of Air Force Brigade 918, Air Defence - Air Force Service, said: "We are carrying the hopes of the families of those who sacrificed their lives, those heroes whose graves still bear no names".
This is the third flight carrying samples from the remains of fallen soldiers to have been operated by the Air Defense - Air Force Service under the 500-Day Campaign.
More flights are planned to support the mission of identifying those who gave their lives for the country./.
