A noble reward for people who have braved danger to help the people of a country half a world away from Vietnam overcome disasters.
But the value of the medals is not only in recognition. It is also an affirmation of Vietnam's prestige, responsibility and image to the international community.
Immediately after the disaster occurred, the Vietnamese rescue team set off carrying equipment, professional rescue forces, nghiệp vụ dog teams and the spirit of being ready to perform tasks anywhere when international friends need them.
In extremely harsh conditions, heavily polluted environment, the risk of building collapse is always present, officers and soldiers are still divided into many groups, racing against time to search for victims.
To date, the delegation has removed 57 bodies from the rubble, supported the relocation of property, provided medical examinations, free medicine and handed over relief goods to hundreds of households without houses.
The image of the sniffer dog Xu Kip and his teammates being awarded the Order of Merit for Service by Venezuela is also a special mark.
The "four-legged soldiers" who participated in rescue in Nu village, Turkey, Myanmar and now continue to perform duties in Venezuela show that Vietnam's rescue force is increasingly professional, gradually meeting international standards.
Over the years, the army and police forces of Vietnam have been very active in fulfilling international responsibilities. Wherever there are natural disasters, catastrophes and requests for support, there are footprints of Vietnamese officers and soldiers.
That is the responsibility of a peace-loving nation, which values solidarity, humanity and is ready to share with the international community in the most difficult moments.
The world is always facing climate change, extreme natural disasters, not to mention the increasing humanitarian crises, and cross-border rescue and relief capabilities have also become a measure of national capacity.
Vietnam is gradually affirming its ability to support other countries when encountering natural disasters and catastrophes with professional, disciplined and highly humane forces.
The medals awarded by Venezuela are the pride of the officers and soldiers directly on duty. At the same time, it is also a recognition for the image of Vietnam as a responsible, compassionate country and always ready to join hands with the international community.
