For them, each gift, each amount of money supported during Tet is not simply of material value, but also a recognition and gratitude for the silent sacrifices during the war years.
In Ninh Binh, Mr. Nguyen Bach Dang - a war invalid and also a person infected with Agent Orange could not hide his emotion when mentioning the Tet gifts he had just received.
Although his current monthly allowance is more than 8 million VND, Mr. Dang said that the feeling of being cared for during Tet is still very special.
This year, I received 300,000 VND in cash from the Central Government, 300,000 VND from the commune, a gift package including cakes, candies, sweet soup... from the province, and an additional 500,000 VND on the occasion of my 85th birthday. Those gifts make me feel very warm, respected and more secure when Tet comes and spring returns" - Mr. Dang shared.
According to him, the money and gifts received will be used to buy more clothes, food and some small items to decorate the house.
Thanks to this, the family's monthly allowance is not "increased" too much during Tet days, which are always the time when spending increases.
What moved Mr. Dang even more was that although the locality no longer has a district level due to the arrangement of administrative units, his total Tet support this year is still higher than last year.
I am very surprised, an increase of 100,000 VND compared to last year. Not because of the large amount of money, but because I feel that I am not forgotten. I hope the State always maintains this policy every Tet and July 27, so that people like us can be more proud of what we have contributed" - he confided.
From personal experience, Mr. Dang also hopes that monthly allowance payments can be more flexible, such as supporting bringing money to his home. "Old age, weakness, and very inconvenient travel. If someone supports on the spot, even if I have to pay extra fees, I and many others are willing" - he said.
Sharing the same joy, Mr. Nguyen Van Ngoc, who is also a person with meritorious services living in Ninh Binh, said that Tet gifts not only help him reduce the burden of spending, but also have great spiritual value. This year, he received a total of 800,000 VND in cash and a Tet gift box.
Receiving gifts, I see that the State still always remembers us, not forgetting the merits and even the silent sacrifices in wartime" - Mr. Ngoc shared.
Currently, the life of Mr. and Mrs. Ngoc mainly depends on the Agent Orange subsidy of more than 4 million VND per month. With this income level, every Tet holiday, spending always has to be calculated very carefully.
More than 4 million VND, we have to consider each item, from meals, medicine money to Tet shopping. Having more gifts and support money is considered to save the amount of candies and half of the lucky money for the children" - he said.
Not demanding much, Mr. Ngoc's biggest wish is to have more support so that people with meritorious services can feel more secure every New Year.
We are old and in poor health, we only rely on allowances. If we could receive two months of allowance at the end of the year like pensioners, we would be more assured when we need to see a doctor, shop or repair the house to welcome Tet" - he expressed.
For those who have gone through war, today's Tet is not only a time of reunion, but also an opportunity to deeply feel the concern of society.
Gifts and money, although not too large, are enough to warm people's hearts, helping people with meritorious services feel more secure and excited to welcome a full of meaningful spring.
