In the sacred atmosphere of the July days of gratitude to heroic martyrs on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, the program to organize a visit to President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum for 40 veterans organized by the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio took place.
Not only is it an opportunity for soldiers of the past to express their respect for President Ho Chi Minh, the journey also brings them back to the memories of a youthful time on the battlefield, where comradeship, sacrifice and years of bombs and bullets are still intact in their minds after many decades.
Unforgettable memories of a time of smoke and fire
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh (61 years old) - Head of Lien Bat Village Veterans Association, currently Vice Chairman of Ung Thien Commune Traditional Medicine Association (Hanoi), said that every time he meets his comrades, memories of the military years rush back.
When he was in the army, he recounted that he used to work in the Engineering force. The unit used to perform duties on the Ho Chi Minh trail, then belonged to Division 565 constructing the military road from Vietnam to Savannakhet province (Laos).
Being able to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum with his comrades, expressing gratitude on War Invalids and Martyrs' Day, he called it a great joy and pride.
Being able to meet comrades again, express gratitude to the brothers who lay down on the battlefield and be reminded of the years of military service, for me those are unforgettable memories," the veteran expressed.
He expressed his wish that the young generation always remember the nation's history, because today's peace is exchanged for so many sacrifices of our forefathers.
I hope today's young generation will always remember the nation's history, cherish the great sacrifices of previous generations to have a peaceful and prosperous life like today.
From there, everyone should be responsible for maintaining peace, constantly learning, contributing and joining hands to build an increasingly prosperous and beautiful country," Mr. Ngoc Minh shared.
Returning to visit Uncle Ho after nearly 50 years
As for veteran Nguyen Ngoc Binh (74 years old), the trip back to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum with his comrades is also a journey back to his youth.
He recounted that he participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975, served in the Central Highlands battlefield (B3), and was tasked with driving vehicles to transport forces and supplies to serve the campaign to liberate the South.
Looking at the backpacks on the volunteers' shoulders, he suddenly remembered the image of himself from years ago.
Looking at the young people carrying backpacks on the road today, I remember my youth, when I also carried backpacks on the road to perform duties. Those images evoke in me many memories of a time of arduous fighting, and at the same time remind me of the brothers and comrades who have forever remained on the battlefield," Mr. Binh shared emotionally.
Perhaps, in the hearts of each veteran, the happiness of meeting their comrades after many years of separation is always interwoven with emotion when remembering those who have forever lay down on the battlefield.
They have left behind their youth, dreams and their whole lives to exchange for peace and independence for the Fatherland. It is this sacrifice that has written heroic pages of history, so that today's generations can live in peace and freedom.
After many decades, until today, Mr. Binh has had the opportunity to return to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum since the first time in the 1980s.
It has been a long time since I visited Uncle Ho again. That is an extremely precious memory," the veteran choked up.
For Mr. Binh, the most precious thing after the war is not only victory, but also being able to live to tell his children and grandchildren about the historical years and pass on the values of peace.
Looking at the young union members wholeheartedly accompanying the veterans on the trip, he believes that the tradition of patriotism, gratitude and appreciation is still being continued by today's generation.
