Tears of happiness of martyrs' relatives when meeting their loved ones through restored photos

On July 23, at the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City Command (Hoa Hung ward), 54 families of martyrs in the city were presented with restored portraits of their loved ones. This is the first donation phase in a series of gratitude activities towards the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2026).

Holding her husband's restored portrait in her hand, Mrs. Do Thi An (resident of Dong Hung Thuan ward) could not hold back her tears. The photo in front of her is the face of martyr Luong Dinh Canh - her husband who sacrificed in 1968, when he was only 24 years old.

During the years of separation, the couple often wrote letters to each other to encourage and send their longing.

For about 60 years, Ms. An has kept her husband's old photo as a keepsake. Time has faded the photo, many features on her face are no longer clear, but in her memory, the image of her husband has never faded.

Many nights because she missed him so much, she dreamed of her husband returning to visit her in military uniform. Today, receiving a restored portrait with a clearer and more colorful image, Mrs. An hugged the photo tightly and burst into tears.

Today, after about 60 years, I met him again. His face appeared clearly, colorful, as if restored intact with time. I was very touched and happy" - Ms. An choked up sharing.

Not only for Ms. An, the donation ceremony was also an emotional moment for Mr. Hoang Van Toan when receiving the restored portrait of his older brother - martyr Hoang Van Phan, who sacrificed in 1970, when he was only 20 years old.

Born into a family with revolutionary traditions, Mr. Toan is always proud of his brother who dedicated his youth to the country. In 1972, while stationed on the battlefield, Mr. Toan received news that Mr. Phan had sacrificed himself 2 years ago.

That news and the encouragement of his comrades added determination and spirit for Mr. Toan to continue fighting, maintaining peace and independence.

Mr. Toan recounted that after the country was unified, he and his family were determined to search for his brother's remains but there was not much news. Even so, the family is always proud that his brother has dedicated all his youth and flesh and blood to the Fatherland.

Thanks to the martyr Hoang Van Phan's portrait attached to the diary, after many years, Mr. Toan's family now receives a restored image of his brother with a clearer appearance. For me, it is not just a photo, but also the return of a part of family memories" - Mr. Toan proudly recalled about his older brother.

The "Gratitude to the Fire Keeper" program is implemented by the Ho Chi Minh City Command in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Police and related units.

Before being handed over to relatives, the portraits are all restored, checked and carefully compared personal information, from full name, hometown, work unit, year of sacrifice to each feature on the martyr's face. Each gift includes a portrait printed and framed solemnly, a digital photo file, a handover record and a thank you letter.

For the completed photos that have not been handed over in phase 1, the Military Commands of localities will coordinate to organize handovers to families in the near future.

The restored portraits not only help families preserve the image of their loved ones, but also extend the memory of those who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, spreading the morality of "When drinking water, remember the source" towards the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day in 2027.

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