The contest was jointly organized by the People’s Army Newspaper, the Press and Publishing Department of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilization, the People’s Army Publishing House, and Bac A Commercial Joint Stock Bank.
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Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Minh speaks at the event. |
Among the honored figures was writer Chau La Viet from Ho Chi Minh City, who has spent more than half a century writing about soldiers. Featured in the work “Chau La Viet: Literature and Life, Always a Soldier” by Senior Colonel Nguyen Thanh Tu, the writer deeply moved to be recognized and donated his prize of VND 10 million to his comrades as an act of gratitude.
Before the ceremony, the exhibition of the book series “Simple but noble examples” drew many visitors. Author Dang Hoang An, winner of a B Prize for his two-part article “Lieutenant Le Tuan Thanh and the spirit of community action,” attended in a wheelchair due to paralysis. Overcoming travel challenges with support from the organizers, his presence touched many participants who came to share and encourage him.
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Le Huong Giang (center), a Vietnam Television host, psychologist, and visually impaired girl |
Another emotional moment came with the appearance of Le Huong Giang, a Vietnam Television host, psychologist, and visually impaired girl featured in the C Prize-winning piece “From a girl with visual impairment to a sower of happiness.” Arriving with her mother in a pink dress, she received warm greetings and heartfelt encouragement from attendees, adding to the sense of connection and humanity at the event.
Senior Colonel Do Ngoc Thu, a Consolation Prize-winning author, summed up the emotions of many participants when he said, “I’m overflowing with feelings today. Once I return home, I’ll immediately write an article about the meaning of this contest and ceremony.”
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The presence of author Dang Hoang An (third from right) touches many participants. |
The program began with performances by artists from the Military University of Culture and Arts, followed by reflections on the contest’s 16-year journey. Senior Lieutenant General Le Quang Minh, Deputy Chief of the General Department of Political Affairs, emphasized that the contest has become not only a platform to honor individuals, but also a means of nurturing noble humanistic values across society, inspiring officers and soldiers to strive for excellence in all missions.
The influence of the contest was evident in the attendance of veteran journalist Ha Dang, 97 years old, former head of the Commission for Ideology and Culture (now Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilization), and Senior Lieutenant General, Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Huy Hieu, former Deputy Minister of National Defense. Both were characters of A Prize-winning works this year. The moment when author Tong Thi Hai Ly assisted the elderly journalist onto the stage deeply moved the audience.
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Winners of A prize and characters of their writings honored |
Also honored was Lieutenant Colonel Le Thi Hang, Director of Center C4 at the Viettel Aerospace Institute, featured in the A Prize-winning piece “The Missile girl.” As a member of the 1980s generation, she has demonstrated innovation, intellect, and resilience through her achievements in applying technology to strengthening national defense.
The contest has always reflected the contribution of generations dedicated to building and defending the country in every field and circumstance. Journalist Nguyen Hong Vinh, a longtime supporter, noted that holding such a contest 16 times demonstrates the People’s Army Newspaper’s strong commitment to promoting values that resonate with both military and civilian life.
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Major General Doan Xuan Bo launches the 17th edition of the writing contest. |
Building on this success, the Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Army Newspaper Major General Doan Xuan Bo launched the 17th edition at the ceremony. With continued support from organizers, partners, and new participation from the Saigon Newport Corporation, the contest will remain a platform to discover and honor “simple but noble examples,” spreading good deeds in society through journalism.
Translated by Tran Hoai