Vietnam officially recognizes Nguyễn Thị Lệ as wife of fallen soldier Huỳnh Văn Quên

On 18 July 2026, the Vietnam Ministry of Interior issued a decision formally recognizing Nguyễn Thị Lệ (aged 79) as the lawful wife of fallen soldier Huỳnh Văn Quên, who died in the 1968 war. The decision, based on the soldier’s official record (Bằng Tổ quốc ghi công 2P. 944b) and a proposal from Vàm Cỏ commune, granted her a spouse‑of‑martyr certificate (No 7‑248) and entitlement to monthly veteran benefits of 5 020 000 VND starting 1 August 2026. The benefits comprise a 2 789 000 VND survivor allowance and a 2 231 000 VND care allowance for a widowed, solitary spouse.

A family meeting convened six relatives of the soldier, who unanimously signed the certification documents. Nguyen Thị Lệ had lived alone for nearly six decades, maintaining a personal altar and tending to the soldier’s family, while awaiting official acknowledgment of her marital status. The recognition ends a 58‑year wait, providing both legal identity and financial support to Lệ and underscoring the government’s commitment to honoring wartime sacrifices.