From the caring gestures of young military doctors toward wounded soldiers and visits to national contributors’ families, to thousands of candles lit at Vi Xuyen National War Cemetery, every activity highlighted the younger generation’s continuation of noble traditions.
Early in the morning, the Linh Ho commune Medical Facility was crowded. A delegation of medical staff of Military Medical University, primarily from its Military Hospital 103, organized free health check-ups, consultations, provided medicine, and presented gifts to policy beneficiaries.
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Young soldiers of the Tuyen Quang provincial Military Command offer incense at Vi Xuyen National War Cemetery. |
At the initial screening desk, a young female military doctor gently checked the blood pressure of wounded soldier Pham Quang Xuan from Ngoc Thuong village. Learning he had fought in the struggle to defend Vietnam’s Northern border, the doctor thoughtfully asked about his military years. Xuan shared that he felt reassured receiving such dedicated care and appreciated young doctors for their high professional skills and friendliness.
Captain, Dr. Nguyen Thi Duyen from the Nephrology and Dialysis Department of Military Hospital 103 noted this was her first time providing medical check-ups for policy beneficiaries in Tuyen Quang. For her, caring for wounded and sick soldiers and policy families is not only a duty, but also an opportunity to express gratitude to those who sacrificed for the country’s independence and freedom.
Senior Colonel, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Nguyen Dinh Ngan, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 103, held that the delegation, in collaboration with the Military Youth Advisory Board, local authorities, and Linh Ho commune’s medical staff, examined and provided free medicines to over 500 people. In addition, they presented 45 gifts, worth VND 1 million each, to disadvantaged families.
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An art performance by military youth during the program held at Vi Xuyen National War Cemetery. |
The delegation then visited severely wounded soldier Pham Xuan Hai in village No.7 and wounded soldier Leng Van Len in village No.26 of Vi Xuyen commune. Deeply moved by the young officers’ and youth union members’ visit, Hai expressed his joy that the younger generation still remembers their predecessors, calling it a tremendous encouragement for veterans returning from the war.
As dusk fell, the journey continued at Vi Xuyen National War Cemetery. Youth union members solemnly cleaned tombstones, offered flowers, and lit thousands of candles, clearly showing the names of fallen heroes as well as unidentified graves.
Soldier Dang Thai Son from the Signal Company of the Tuyen Quang provincial Military Command expressed his pride in attending such a large-scale candle-lighting ceremony for the first time, which reminded him to live more responsibly to be worthy of his forefathers’ sacrifices.
That evening, an art program took place at the cemetery. Many veterans attended, bringing photos of their comrades. Many of them visit Vi Xuyen very February and July.
Senior Colonel Nguyen Quang Huy, Head of the Military Youth Advisory Board, emphasized that expressing gratitude must be a regular activity among military youths, rather than being limited to July 27. The goal is to nurture traditions and spread the beautiful tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source.”
During the program, the organizing panel also presented 79 gifts to wounded and sick soldiers and policy families, delivered 100 restored portraits of martyrs to their relatives, supported the construction of five gratitude houses, and presented 100 scholarships to disadvantaged students.
Leaving Vi Xuyen while the candles still flickered, a strong belief remained that the “When drinking water, remember its source” tradition will continue to be upheld by the younger generation through practical and responsible actions.
Translated by Minh Anh