Village boy becomes soldier protecting Uncle Ho
Mr. Nguyen Van Thiet (born in 1934 in Dong Thanh Lam hamlet, Duc Lam commune, Duc Tho district, Ha Tinh province - now Duc Thinh commune). He is the eldest son of a large farming family, father Nguyen The, mother Phan Thi Doi.
Born and raised during the years of fierce resistance, the young man carrying a strong patriotism, indomitable spirit, a strong spirit and the calmness and bention of the Nghe An people.
In 1954, just 20 years old, Mr. Thiet joined the army, and along with the unit marched to the North. The historical fate brought him to the E600 Regiment, a special unit specializing in protecting the capital, and senior leaders. During his 7 years working here, he had the great honor to directly protect Uncle Ho and comrades in the Central Committee such as Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, General Vo Nguyen Giap, General Secretary Truong Chinh...
Mr. Nguyen Van Thiet recalled the unforgettable memories of the times he was taught by Uncle Ho. That was the time Uncle Ho kindly instructed the security guards: "You must give flowers to others with both hands, showing respect". Or a cold winter in 1956, when he saw him wearing a thin shirt on duty, Uncle Han asked: "Is it warm when you wear this?". Mr. Thiet recalled: "Listening to Uncle Ho's question, I was deeply moved by the heart of a great leader for an ordinary soldier like me".
The most memorable memory is the time he visited the hydrometeorological agency. When they saw Uncle Ho, he and his teammates rushed down the gun to hold his hand, but Uncle Ho gently advised: "You are on duty as a guard, you don't have to hold your hand, but you have to hold the gun in this position...". That simple word becomes a great lesson in discipline, style and sense of responsibility of soldiers.
During a visit to the tin mine in Tinh Tuc town, Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang, Uncle Ho pointed to the mountain and said: "You go up there and see the fairies, that high is very beautiful". Here, Uncle Ho also reads the famous poem of the Man: "In the morning, go to the stream bank, in the evening, go to the cave / Bamboo and bamboo shoots are still ready / The stone pillars of the Party's history are different / Revolutionary life is truly luxurious". Those stories are not only memories, but also valuable luggage for him throughout his life.
Dedicated all his life, always a shining example
After leaving the army in 1962, Mr. Nguyen Van Thiet transferred to the Ministry of Irrigation, continued to work in construction, trade unions, and served at many large projects in the country. He was Chairman of the 2nd Enterprise Trade Union (Ministry of Irrigation) before retiring in 1990.
Returning to his hometown, Mr. Thiet lived a simple and exemplary life. Despite his old age, weakness and declining hearing, he has maintained a regular Party activities, and has been a shining example in the Party cell for many years. Despite his old age, with a spirit of dedication, he is always considered the "fire keeper" in the local movement. After retiring, he was given the opportunity to visit Uncle Ho's hometown in Kim Lien commune, Nghe An province. Every time I visit Uncle Hos hometown, the memories of him come back to life in me, it is extremely touching and sacred Mr. Thiet said.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thiet shared that the years he participated in protecting Uncle Ho, meeting Uncle Ho, being cared for, advised, and instructed by the kind person were the most sacred memories in his life. He considered it a great honor that not everyone could have - both a source of pride and a profound lesson to practice the personality and responsibility of a soldier.
According to him, Uncle Ho is not only the Supreme leader but also a very simple and approachable person. Each advice, every act of kindness of Uncle Ho became a guideline for him for the rest of his life. Thanks to being close to Uncle Ho, he absorbed the meaning of discipline, dedication, compassion and respect for the people.
Mr. Thiet affirmed: "The years of living near Uncle Ho and learning valuable lessons from Uncle Ho have helped me grow up in many aspects. Uncle Ho is an example for me to strive for all my life.
During his revolutionary activities, Mr. Thiet was awarded many noble awards and honors by the Party, State and Army: 2 Resistance Medals, the 65-year Party membership badge and dozens of certificates of merit. Veteran and loyal Party member Nguyen Van Thiet is a vivid testament to a generation of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" - loyal to the Party and the people. More than half a century has passed, the image of the soldier protecting Uncle Ho in the past is still bright, the pride of the homeland and family.
