Towards the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2026), the Women's Union of Hung Yen Provincial Police in coordination with the Skyline restoration group is implementing a program to restore, color and donate portraits of heroic martyrs to relatives of families in Xuan Truc commune.
The program not only carries the meaning of expressing gratitude to those who fell for the Fatherland but also contributes to connecting memories, helping relatives to look back at their loved ones' faces after decades of war and separation.
One of the stories that left many emotions is the family of martyr Nguyen Minh Cuong (born in 1934), from Truc Dinh village, Xuan Truc commune, Hung Yen province.
Martyr Nguyen Minh Cuong went to fight when his eldest son, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tien, was too young. The war and the harshness of time made the memory of his father in Mr. Tien only vague images.
For many years, the family only kept a few faded personal papers and a death certificate sent from the battlefield. There was not a clear photo for children and grandchildren to fully imagine the face of the father and grandfather who dedicated their youth to the Fatherland.
Understanding that feeling, the Women's Union of Hung Yen Provincial Police and the Skyline Group persistently collected documents, restored and covered the martyr Nguyen Minh Cuong's portrait in color.
Every detail on the face, eyes, smile is carefully recreated, respecting the maximum historical value, so that when the photo is completed, it is also the time when a part of the memory that seemed to have been erased by war and time returns to the family.
Not only the family of martyr Nguyen Minh Cuong, but also tears of emotion fell at the house of Mr. Nguyen Dinh Vinh in Truc Dinh village when the portrait of martyr Nguyen Dinh Tinh was handed over to relatives.
Over 70 years old, his health is no longer as before, Mr. Vinh was silent for a long time, his hands tremblingly holding the photo of his older brother who sacrificed for the Fatherland. After more than half a century of separation, the image of his brother seemed to return intact in the family's memory.
Martyr Nguyen Dinh Tinh (born in 1950, sacrificed in 1971) dedicated his youth to the cause of national liberation. The war has receded, but the memory of his son and brother in the family is still present. Over time, old photos gradually fade, so receiving the restored portrait is of special significance to the family.
The moment the photo was opened was also when the emotions that had been suppressed for so long seemed to burst out. Mr. Nguyen Dinh Vinh attentively looked at each detail on his brother's face, his eyes red with emotion.
According to the Women's Union of Hung Yen Provincial Police, the program to restore and donate martyrs' portraits in 2026 has presented 65 portraits to relatives of martyrs' families in Xuan Truc commune.
This is a practical activity in a series of gratitude programs to celebrate the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, contributing to spreading the morality of "When drinking water, remember the source", "Gratitude", and at the same time affirming the role of the Provincial Police Women's Union in caring for people with meritorious services, educating revolutionary traditions and fostering living ideals for female officers and members.
Each memorial photo donated not only restores the image of a deceased person but also contributes to preserving family memories, connecting the past with the present.
