There is a very noteworthy detail in the Ordinance amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Ordinance on Preferential Treatment for People with Meritorious Services to the Revolution that has just been announced, which is to ensure that the living standards of people with meritorious services to the revolution are from average to fairly good compared to the living standards of the residential community where they reside.
For many years, the Party and State have paid special attention to people with meritorious services through the subsidy system, health care, housing support, education, employment and many other preferential policies.
The lives of millions of wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, relatives of martyrs, and Vietnamese Heroic Mothers have also been gradually improved accordingly.
But the Ordinance amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Ordinance on Preferential Treatment for People with Meritorious Services to the Revolution this time shows a new step forward: instead of just ensuring a minimum living standard or fully implementing the regime, the goal set is that people with meritorious services must have a living standard from average to fairly good.
Meaning they not only have enough to live but also need to live well. The Party and the State do not allow those who have sacrificed their youth, health, and even part of their bodies for the country's independence to worry about each meal or struggle with medical and living expenses when they are old.
Those contributions cannot be measured by money, but the quality of life today is the most truthful measure of gratitude.
This is also a reminder that gratitude does not only take place on July 27th or in incense offering ceremonies and candle lighting ceremonies. Gratitude must be present in every policy and in every decision to care for the daily lives of people with meritorious services.
Of course, realizing this goal will not be easy at all.
Because "average living standard" is not a fixed number. The lives of people in each locality and each period change. As social living standards increasingly improve, policies for people with meritorious services must also be adjusted accordingly.
This requires budget resources, the initiative of local authorities and a synchronous policy system.
Quality of life is also not only determined by monthly allowances.
It is also the ability to access good medical services, receive long-term care in old age, have safe housing, receive rehabilitation support, be given conditions for children to study, have stable jobs and have a living environment that the community cares about and shares.
Finally, the most encouraging thing is that after many years of national development, Vietnam today has the conditions to set higher goals in caring for people with meritorious services.
When the economy grows stronger, the development achievements must first be for those who have contributed to creating the independence and peace we are enjoying.
The tradition of "When drinking water, remember the source" is not only mentioned in anniversaries, but has become an commitment measured by the quality of life of those who have made history.
