In the gentle sunshine, the cicadas chirping like a vibrant summer song, the atmosphere at the barracks of Battalion 3, Signal Brigade 575 under Military Region 5 was more bustling and joyful than usual.
The program, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025), aimed to educate revolutionary traditions, foster patriotism and citizen responsibility for younger generations. It was a joint activity of Battalion 3 and Au Co Primary School and a model of close and effective national defense education experience.
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Students of Au Co Primary School practice folding blankets and mosquito nets. |
Right at the first steps into the barracks, the students were warmly welcomed as real "young soldiers." At the beginning of the program, they was introduced to the tradition of Brigade 575 - a heroic unit that achieved many feats-of-arms in the past resistance war and accomplishments in today’s sovereignty safeguarding. Vivid documentary footage, images of soldiers on the training ground, in the deep forest or in floods left deep impressions in the hearts of participating students.
The journey of acting as a soldier began with the visits to the accommodation, and farming areas of troops to learn about the living and training regulations of soldiers. Many students were surprised when they witnessed the neatness and orderliness of each squarely-folded blanket, or the seriousness in each command and morning exercise.
Sitting down to rest after the blanket and mosquito net folding exercise, Duong Quang Dat, a fifth grader, excitedly said that "at first, I thought that the barracks would be very strict, but the soldiers were not only funny but also showed me how to fold the blanket very carefully. I find being a soldier hard, but very proud."
In addition to the skill-experiencing activities, the students enjoyed martial arts and energetic gymnastics performances by the soldiers here. The applause was endless when the bare-handed martial arts movements were performed decisively and strongly, demonstrating the strong spirit and bravery of the soldiers.
The most emotional highlight of the program was the cultural exchange between students and soldiers. The clear singing of the students and the strong, heroic singing of the soldiers blended together in a friendly atmosphere. There were eyes filled with emotion when the song "As if Uncle Ho were with us in the great victory day" was sung.
Le Thanh Binh, a parent of a fifth grader, was moved when saying, “We are truly grateful to the school and the unit for creating conditions for the students to have a meaningful day of experience. I believe that today's activities will sow in the students' souls patriotism, admiration and even the dream of devotion.
“We define this a task holdings both political and humane significance. Today's young generation needs to understand, see and feel the values that the older generations have preserved, thus appreciating a peaceful life more and be responsible for the future of the country,” said Major Mai Truong Giang, Political Commissar of Battalion 3.
A day was not too long, but it was enough to sow the seeds of patriotism, discipline, sharing and national pride among the students. The sparkling eyes and lingering waves when leaving the barracks were evidence of the success of the program.
Translated by Chung Anh