Born into a family of 5 siblings, the eldest brother of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tuat (69 years old, Phu Dien ward, Hanoi) was a martyr who sacrificed himself on the Quang Tri battlefield in 1972 when he was only 20 years old.
Mrs. Tuat recalled that in those days, her younger brother was small in stature, weighing less than 40kg, but still volunteered to enlist in the army according to the sacred call of the Fatherland.
Later, thanks to the guidance of her village comrades who had personally buried and marked the grave, Mrs. Tuat's family welcomed his remains back to the motherland of Phu Dien.
It has become a custom that every year on July 26 - the most crowded and sacred time before War Invalids and Martyrs' Day July 27, Mrs. Tuat and her children and grandchildren go to the cemetery to light incense in gratitude.
My brother sacrificed himself when he was too young, but seeing the country peaceful, children and grandchildren grow up and reunite like this, the family also feels somewhat relieved" - she said.
Not far from there, Mr. Nguyen Tu Tiem (85 years old, Phu Dien ward) sat next to the grave of martyr Nguyen Tu Quy, his hands carefully wiping each layer of dust. Martyr Quy is his cousin (uncle's son).
Recalling the old smoky and fiery years, Mr. Tiem recounted: In those days, his older brother participated in the local guerrilla force. In a fierce battle right in the Nhon area, his cousin was seriously injured.
In those days, there was a shortage, no hospital or medical conditions like now, the family had to take him home. A few days later he passed away...", his voice dropped.
Mr. Tiem's uncle's family has 5 children, of which 4 children died when they were young. The only one who grew up is martyr Nguyen Tu Quy who bravely sacrificed himself, dedicating his youth to his homeland and country.
Now, Mr. Tiem has become the person who shoulders the responsibility of taking care of and maintaining the spiritual order for the entire family of his uncle. Although he is old, with blurred vision and weak legs, every July 27, he and his children and grandchildren go to the cemetery to burn incense to remember.
Also this afternoon, Mr. Duy Quang Thanh (54 years old) and his nephew came to clean up the grave and offer incense to commemorate martyr Duy Van Quy - Mr. Thanh's uncle.
Mr. Thanh said that martyr Duy Van Quy sacrificed himself in the Mau Than campaign in 1968 at the Hue battlefield.
No one wants war and cannot avoid sacrifices and losses. But it is the sacrifice of those outstanding children that can exchange for peace and independence for the Fatherland today," Mr. Thanh confided.
For him, bringing the young generation to the martyrs' cemetery, lighting incense to commemorate relatives and comrades who sacrificed for national independence and freedom is a profound lesson about the spirit of "When drinking water, remember the source".
Looking at the crowded flow of people coming here these days, I see the spirit of gratitude always flowing in the hearts of every Vietnamese person. Leaving the army to return to ordinary life, I always hope that the younger generation will always deeply remember the value of peace to live and contribute worthily," Mr. Thanh shared.
