The pride of the family
On the morning of March 5, together with the whole country, 2,630 outstanding young people of Quang Tri province enlisted in the army, performing military service and People's Police service in 2026.
From the remote Co Trang village in Truong Son commune, mother Van Kieu and her relatives traveled more than 70km to Dong Hoi ward to see off their son for enlistment.
The journey of more than two hours on a cramped passenger car is not only the distance from the mountains and forests to the city, but also a trip containing the love of a mother and pride mixed with emotion when seeing her son off to serve the Fatherland.
Early in the morning in Dong Hoi ward, the atmosphere of the military service handover day became busier than usual. In the stream of people seeing off their children enlisting, Mr. Ho Van Thoai's family (born in 2004, Co Trang village, Truong Son commune) stood quietly together. From the highland village down here, they had to travel more than 70km.
Mr. Thoai's mother and relatives in the family went to Dong Hoi the day before. "This morning we went early, afraid of not catching the bus, so the whole family decided to go from yesterday" - the mother shared simply.
In Dong Hoi ward, the atmosphere of the military service handover day is busier than usual. In the stream of people seeing off their children enlisting, Mr. Thoai's family quietly stood together.
The trip from Co Trang village to Dong Hoi took more than two hours on a cramped passenger car. Despite the dangerous road, the mother and family members still decided to go up early to see off Thoai.
“We left yesterday because we were afraid we wouldn't have time for the car this morning,” the mother said in a simple voice. Although the journey was arduous, no one wanted to be absent in the important moment of Thoai's life.
Steadfastly on the road
Standing in the arms of relatives, Thoai looked confused, but in his eyes there was still a spark of determination. Thoai had just married his wife for two months, Ms. Hoang Thi Du (born in 2003). The married life had not yet been happy when the enlistment day came.
Ms. Du is currently eight months pregnant. Although her pregnant belly makes it difficult to walk, she is still present from early morning to see off her husband.
I am very sad but encourage him to try to complete his task well" - Ms. Du shared with worried but proud eyes.
Beside her son, the mother could not hide her emotion. From a young age, Thoai was familiar with the farming life and the red dirt roads of the village. Today, her son has packed his backpack and left the village to do his duty. She felt both sorry and proud.
You go strong and healthy, try to complete the task" - she instructed Thoai with sincerity.
Relatives and relatives successively congratulated and encouraged Thoai. Simple but warm wishes, encouraging the new recruit to maintain his health and practice well in the military.
Near Thoai, another young man, Tran Dinh Hoa (born in 2007, Truong Ninh commune), could not hide his pride in joining the army ranks. As a young party member, Hoa is deeply aware of his responsibility to the country, especially when the country needs young generations ready to volunteer and protect the Fatherland.
Today is a major turning point in my life. I feel very honored to be in the ranks of the army, participating in protecting the peace of the Fatherland.
As a Party member, I clearly understand my responsibilities and obligations. Therefore, I proactively wrote my application to join the army very early" - Hoa shared, his eyes lit up with pride.
Some images recorded by Lao Dong Newspaper reporters:
