Today, when the thin mist is still hanging on the rocky mountainsides in Na Vuong village, Binh Gia commune, Lang Son province, the small house of new recruit Hoang Binh Nguyen's family is busier than usual.
The dirt road leading to the village is still wet with mist. In the distance, the steep gray mountain ranges are like a natural wall embracing the village.
In the simple house, Nguyen adjusted his newly issued uniform, carefully tying backpack straps.
This morning, he and thousands of other young people from the province set off to perform military service.
Outside in the yard, Nguyen's mother - Ms. Hoang Thi Mai - stood silently watching her son. She was cleaning up the simple breakfast tray while occasionally turning around to urge her son: "Eat another bowl of rice to rehydrate your stomach and then go, son.
Nguyen was born and raised in Na Vuong village, his childhood was associated with rocky mountainsides and corn seasons in the fields.
When receiving the enlistment order, Nguyen almost did not hesitate.
I think young people should join the army once. Being trained in the army is a source of pride," Nguyen said, his voice still a bit confused.
In the small house, a few relatives and neighbors also came to congratulate. The morning atmosphere in the highland village was both bustling and a bit quiet.
Each person instructed Nguyen with a sentence, some reminded him to take care of his health, and some encouraged him to try to practice well.
Ms. Hoang Thi Mai said that when she received the news that her son was recruited for military service, the family was both proud and worried.
My son joined the army, I also miss him very much. But my son has grown up, serving the Fatherland is something to be proud of," Ms. Mai said.
The highland mother woke up very early to prepare a meal to see off her son. On the table were only simple dishes of mountain people, a bowl of wild vegetable soup, a plate of fried meat, and a little boiled corn just picked from the fields. But that was the most special meal of the family in the early spring days.
After breakfast, it was just dawn. Nguyen put on his backpack and stepped out into the yard. Before leaving, he lit incense on the ancestral altar. The thin incense smoke rose in the small house.
Outside the village, young men in green uniforms gathered one by one. Laughter mixed with hasty hugs from relatives.
Nguyen turned around and hugged his mother tightly. Ms. Mai gently adjusted her daughter's collar, gave her a few more instructions, and then stood silently watching. "TRY to train well, when you have leave, come home to mother," she said, her voice choked up.
In Na Khuyen block, Dong Kinh ward, the family of new recruit Ngo Nhat Hoang (born 2000) is also busier than usual.
Hoang is one of 28 outstanding young people of the central ward of Lang Son province who set off to follow the sacred call of the Fatherland. He is also one of 3 university graduates who volunteered to join the army.
I used to take military courses every summer, so I always want to experience a disciplined environment. I want to spend two years of my youth in the military to train and challenge myself," new recruit Ngo Nhat Hoang shared.
Unable to hide his emotion, Mr. Ngo Viet Hai - Hoang's father - shared: "The family hopes that the military environment will be an opportunity for our son to grow up day by day. The family fully supports and is always a solid rear for our son to complete his mission.
Talking to reporters, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Tien - Deputy Chief of Staff of the Lang Son Provincial Military Command - said that the quality of military recruitment in 2026 is rated higher than the previous year.
In the 2026 military service deployment, the whole province has 1,614 citizens enlisting. Of which, 1,350 citizens perform military service, and 264 citizens perform the duty of People's Police.
