Enlistment festival in Pa Phach village

Located about 5km from Moc Chau town of Son La province, Pa Phach village is perched on a mountain top, surrounded by dense primeval forests, majestic limestone mountains, and flowers throughout the year.  

In the warm atmosphere of the first spring days of 2025, Pa Phach is proud to have two young men, Vang A Minh (born in 2006) and Vang A Hien (born in 2005), being enlisted in the military. The two H'mong ethnic minority men not only carry the love and trust of their families, but also the hope and pride of their entire village.

In this year’s enlistment drive, Vang A Minh voluntarily registered for military service to show his responsibility as a citizen towards the country. After hearing the news of his successful enlistment, Minh felt nervous, but excited, waiting to experience the military life. A day before the handover ceremony, Minh carefully folded his military gear and neatly packed it into his backpack, ready for a meaningful journey in his life.

Minh’s father, Vang A Giang, proudly said that his family members are very supportive because they know that the military environment will help Minh mature.

Bidding farewell to Minh, his relatives and family members could not hide their emotions. Tight handshakes and heartfelt words of encouragement from them add more strength and determination to Minh to fulfill his responsibility to the Fatherland.

Officers from the local military command visit and encourage the young H’mong youth, motivating him to embark on a new journey in his life.

Vang A Hien also couldn't hide his pride and excitement. Before bidding farewell to his son, Hien’s family prepared a small party to announce that their son would be participating in military service. Everyone felt proud and happy to witness this important milestone in Hien’s life.

Hien’s mother was a little bit worried and gave her son careful advice and encouragement. However, seeing the young man’s happiness, eagerness, and strength, his family members are proud and confident that he would be fine in the new journey.

Thanks to Hien’s encouragement, his newly-wed wife understands his upcoming journey and believes that he would fulfill the duty. His wife's trust becomes a major source of motivation for him to fulfill his duties.

The villagers were filled with pride and hope as two outstanding young men from the village were selected for military service. It is hoped that these young men will always stay strong, continue to train, strive, and grow in the military environment, becoming good citizens who serve and protect the Fatherland and contribute to the development of their village.

The young man bids farewell to his relatives and locals.

Although the young men come from different backgrounds, they are all determined to contribute to the Fatherland.

Enlisted youths in the province at the enlistment festival

The young men are eager to experience the military life.

Translated by Tran Hoai