Nation's heroes live on in Hanoi's memory

THE HANOI TIMES —The nation's heroes who sacrificed their youth, blood, and lives for national reunification will always live on in the memories of Hanoians, said a local.

"My father was among millions of young soldiers who selflessly devoted their youth and died for the nation's independence and freedom. Every year, my family commemorates the heroic memories and expresses gratitude to the generations who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of national liberation and reunification 50 years ago," Nguyen Minh Nguyet, a former Hanoi police officer who lives in Hoan Kiem District told The Hanoi Times.

Nguyet is the daughter of martyr Nguyen Thai Lang, who heroically fell in Saigon on August 25, 1972, while on a mission to support the southern battlefield.

Fifty years later, Nguyet was honored to attend this week's meeting in Hanoi with representatives of veterans, former youth volunteers and militias who fought in the resistance war against the US.

Held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025), the meeting brought together historical witnesses of the nation's history to recall their heartfelt stories of wartime experiences.

Le Hong Thuy, a former youth volunteer, expressed his emotion and pride as he spoke on behalf of more than 40,000 members of the Hanoi Association of Former Youth Volunteers at the meeting.

In 1968, Thuy joined the youth volunteer force, whose mission was to keep traffic moving on key routes that were under heavy attack by American aircraft. Thuy and his teammates carried bombs and bullets to the front lines in the central provinces of Quang Binh and Quang Tri to clear the way for vehicles carrying goods and weapons to the front lines.

He said he would carry on the revolutionary spirit and traditions of a soldier, uphold the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, abide by the Party's policies, and embody the ideals of the Party and State in his daily life. He vowed to serve as a role model for the younger generation by living according to the thought, morality, and style of President Ho Chi Minh.

Nguyen Son, a former police officer who fought on the southern battlefield during the war against American troops, recounted years of hard fighting on the Quang Tri front, the southern liberated zone, and the Laotian battlefield. His unit coordinated with other forces to successfully deal with many special spies, including the espionage case in the capital, Hanoi.

"We are very proud to see that the country is undergoing great changes, that the Hanoi Public Security Force is constantly growing, promoting the generations' precious traditions and excelling in all the tasks assigned by the Party and the people," Son said.

Colonel Nguyen Huy Phuong, former Vice President of the Hanoi Veterans Association also recalled the years of arduous fighting, shared his pride and honor in witnessing the transformation and development of the country.

In January 1968, Phuong joined the Southeast Special Forces with the mission of reconnaissance and special combat in Tay Ninh Province. After completing his service with distinction, he was honored to become a Party member.

"Wherever they are, veterans will continue to contribute with their love, responsibility, wisdom, and creativity. They will continue to play an important role in strengthening national solidarity and promoting Vietnamese cultural values, which is a powerful driving force for the country’s development and prosperity,” Phuong said.

Contributing in ways that honor the forebears' sacrifices

The nation's heroes live on in the memories of Hanoi residents, a sentiment echoed by Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, during a meeting. "Generations of Vietnamese in general and Hanoians in particular will forever remember the immense sacrifices made by those who gave their blood, lives and limbs for the beloved nation," she said.

Hoai expressed deep gratitude and sincere respect for the immense and lasting sacrifices and contributions of veterans, former youth volunteers and militias who fought for national independence and the happiness of the people.

The official added that although the war is a distant memory, the noble qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, youth volunteers and militia from those years continue to shine brightly in today's society.

"Despite returning from the battlefield with physical scars or being old and frail, the comrades have never ceased their contributions. They remain an unwavering moral support for today's and tomorrow's generations," Hoai said.

In every situation, in every region of the country, the image of the comrades continues to serve as a living symbol of resilience, determination, optimism and unwavering belief in the nation's future.

These comrades are truly a source of pride for our army and people, Hoai said, expressing her joy and emotion at seeing that the Vietnam Veterans Association, the Association of Former Youth Volunteers, and militias across the country have consistently upheld the revolutionary flame over the years, she added.

The associations have excelled in instilling revolutionary ideals, educating younger generations in patriotic traditions, and organizing meaningful gratitude activities. "The heartfelt actions confirm that they remain a core force, a strong pillar for the Party, the government and the people, whether in war or peace," she said.

The official also expressed her hope that today's younger generation will live, work, study and contribute in a way that is worthy of the sacrifices made by their ancestors.

"True esteem is shown not only in the policies but also in the consciousness and actions of the present generation. Those who are blessed with peace must uphold the revolutionary traditions and firmly safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty. The sacrifices and hardships endured by previous generations will become the foundation on which future generations can build and develop," Hoai said.