Representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs inaugurate a war memorial in Lao Cai Province on August 5.
The VND 1 billion (approximately USD 40,000) funding was raised through donations from ministry officials, civil servants, and staff. Of this, VND 400 million (approximately USD 16,000) was used to restore a memorial, while VND 600 million (approximately USD 24,000) went toward building homes for 10 families living in makeshift shelters.
The memorial honours 404 people, including residents who died across the country and soldiers from other provinces who gave their lives for the liberation of Nghia Lo.
Over time, weather exposure had faded the names on the memorial, making restoration urgent to preserve its integrity.
At the inauguration, Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Director of the Planning and Finance Department, expressed gratitude to the fallen and thanked local authorities for their support during the organisations of various events on the ocassion of the 78th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).
Mai Tien Dung, Chairman of Nghia Lo Ward People’s Committee, emphasised the project’s socio-political importance and its role in honouring national heroes.
“We are committed to preserving the memorial and supporting families of those who served,” he said.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dantri, Nguyen Thu Hang (fourth from right), presents two electric fans each worth VND 1,250,000 (approximately USD 50) to the Cang and Don Nghia Lo historical site.
Ten homes handed over to families in need
The same day, the ministry delegation visited 10 disadvantaged families to deliver the newly built homes.
Among them was 90-year-old Pham Ngoc Mai, a decorated veteran, and his wife Nguyen Thi Hue. With VND 60 million in support, their new 120-square-metre house includes three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
Pham Ngoc Mai at his new house
“I’ve dreamed of this for years. Now we have a safe and spacious home,” Mai said.
Lo Thi Kien, 66, also received a new home. Her 85-square-metre house, with two bedrooms, cost VND 270 million to build, including VND 60 million from the ministry.
Lo Thi Kien receives the donation at her new house.
Kien, who lives with her mentally ill son, said she never imagined having a solid home.
Dantri’s Nguyen Thu Hang presented each of the 10 families with an electric fan worth VND 1,250,000 (approximately USD 50).