It is not only a greeting for a military unit to complete its mission, but also a sincere gratitude from the people to the soldiers who have "cast their bridges" day and night for the people.
Behind the hugs and tears is a message of faith in the army, in the State and in the power of military-civilian solidarity.
A year ago, after the Phong Chau bridge collapse caused traffic disruption across the Red River, the Engineering soldiers of Brigade 249 immediately arrived, setting up a temporary pontoon bridge to reconnect the two banks.
For 365 days, regardless of rain, rising water or cold, they are on duty 24/7 and operate a pontoon bridge to serve an average of 15,000 people/day - a total of more than 5 million people passing safely.
These are numbers that demonstrate the dedication, discipline and bravery of soldiers in peacetime - those who silently turn responsibility into action, turn hardship into trust for the people.
That is also an example of "people's love like fish for water" not only expressed in wartime, but still intact in peacetime. People wear the rain and queue up to say goodbye to officers and soldiers not only as a thank you, but also as a "repayment" with affection and trust.
Then in the hugs between the people and the soldiers, there is no longer a line between tasks and life, only humanity and national love remain.
Those emotional images also demonstrate the proactiveness, flexibility and timeliness of the State in responding to incidents and natural disasters. shortly after the old Phong Chau bridge collapsed, the military pontoon bridge was erected, showing a quick and effective response, clearly demonstrating the capacity of the operating apparatus and the coordination between local authorities and armed forces.
As Chairman of Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee Tran Duy Dong affirmed: "The construction of Phong Chau pontoon bridge not only solves the urgent traffic problem, but also strengthens people's trust in the armed forces, the Party and the State".
And above all, the image of people sending off troops today speaks to a sustainable value: in all events, the people's trust is always turned to the armed forces - those who are ready to be present in the most difficult and arduous place, to make people's lives the safest.
Brigade 249 - the unit that was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces three times - has successfully completed its mission in Phong Chau. But their biggest reward is not a medal or certificate of merit, but a bracelet from the people on the day of farewell.
Phong Chau pontoon bridge has completed its mission, but the image of the soldiers quietly setting the pace of trusting the river will remain, as a beautiful symbol of the strength of national unity in peacetime.
