When the border is not just a milestone
In Khanh Binh commune (An Giang province), small concrete roads weaving through mango fields and canal banks, appear as vivid proof of the changes in the An Giang border region.
Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Huu Hoa - Political Commissar of Long Binh Border Guard Station (Command of An Giang Provincial Border Guard Command) said that few people know that behind those roads are the working days of officers and soldiers of border guard stations. Previously, many roads in the border area were just dirt trails. People's travel and trade encountered countless difficulties, children going to school, people transporting agricultural products all had to "look up to the sky, look up to the earth".
Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Huu Hoa shared: "The border is not only maintained by fences, markers or armed patrols. The border is maintained most sustainably when people trust, love, are attached, and take care of and protect it with the border guard force.
From that thinking, for many years, Long Binh Border Guard Station has proactively advised Party committees and local authorities, coordinated with departments and mass organizations to deploy the construction of rural roads in difficult and critical areas. Without large capital sources, many projects are implemented according to the motto "The State and People work together". Long Binh Border Guard Station contributes labor and technical days; local authorities support materials; people donate land and join hands in construction," Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Huu Hoa said.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Huu Hoa, when soldiers and people build roads, the military-civilian distance is narrowed most naturally. People see soldiers not only holding guns to guard the border but also side by side, sharing difficulties in daily life.
Wherever the road is opened, the people's hearts will be strong.
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Thai Ngoc Chau - Political Commissar of Phu Huu Border Guard Station (Command of An Giang Provincial Border Guard Command) shared: "Not only meaningful for people's livelihoods, rural roads in border areas also have strategic value in national defense and security tasks. Convenient transportation helps functional forces maneuver faster when handling situations, and at the same time creates conditions for people to participate in protecting border lines and landmarks.
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Thai Ngoc Chau said that since the new road, people have boldly invested in expanding production, developing mango growing models, and small businesses. A more stable life also means reducing the risk of being lured by bad actors, assisting smuggling, and illegal entry and exit.
Lieutenant Colonel Ha Thai Ngoc Chau emphasized that to keep the border peaceful, first of all, it is necessary to help people have a stable life. When people settle down, they will voluntarily become living milestones to protect national sovereignty.