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A view of the flag-raising ceremony |
Amidst the harsh condition in the African land, the Vietnamese “blue berets” tirelessly engage in building robust bridges, vital roads, and well-equipped schools, symbols of hope and infrastructure development. Beyond these tangible contributions, they also serve as silent ambassadors of Vietnamese culture, sowing seeds of friendship and mutual understanding between the two nations.
The flag-raising ceremony is a moment of reflection, where each soldier directs their full attention to their beloved Fatherland, to their families, and to the lofty cultural and spiritual values that shape the Vietnamese character, spreading this identity to international friends.
Dressed in impeccable uniforms under the Abyei sun, every movement during the ceremony is performed with solemnity. The majestic national anthem resonates across the vast expanse, blending with the wind and the familiar sounds of the land, creating a unique symphony. It is the sound of patriotism, sacrifice, and faith in a better future.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, Head of the Engineering Company Rotation 4, maintaining strict military discipline is not only a responsibility, but also a firm will, a solid foundation that enables the unit to excel in all international missions.
For soldiers stationed thousands of kilometers from home, the flag-raising ceremony becomes a crucial source of spiritual strength. It reminds them of the noble purpose of peacekeeping missions and their responsibilities toward both their country and the international community. In that moment, all hardships, challenges, and homesickness seem to vanish, and only determination and unwavering willpower remain.
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Lt. Col. Trinh Van Cuong speaks at the flag-raising ceremony. |
After the ceremony, the soldiers return to their daily duties with renewed enthusiasm. They continue to build roads and bridges, repair schools and hospitals, bringing hope and a new life to local communities. The works built by the hands of the Vietnamese People’s Army soldiers are not merely real things, they are symbols of solidarity, sharing, and the commitment to peace held by Vietnam’s “blue berets.”
The flag-raising ceremony in a distant land, performed by Vietnamese “blue berets” in Abyei, stands as a living testament to the courage and spirit of the Vietnamese people, outstanding sons and daughters of the nation who carry forward the legacy of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers in writing the story of peace.
By Hai Yen (from Abyei)
Translated by Tran Hoai