60 years of keeping our oath to the Party.

Before me stood an 88-year-old woman, her hair as white as snow, her smile gentle and kind. She recounted her past, chronologically, with a clear and distinct voice, surprising me with her rare lucidity. She shared that, although exempt from Party activities, she still participated regularly because, for her, as long as she was alive and able to move around, she could continue to contribute. This was Mrs. Vu Thi Dao, a Party member with 60 years of Party membership, residing in Vang hamlet, Trang Xa commune.

Ms. Vu Thi Dao was honored with the 60-year Party membership badge.

Her simple, unpretentious yet captivating words drew me in, making me listen intently to Mrs. Vu Thi Dao's story. Sixty years of membership in the Party is also six years in which she has kept her unwavering oath, her faith and love for the Party intact.

Born into a poor family in Trang Xa commune, Ms. Vu Thi Dao experienced the hardships of losing her country and her home at an early age. At 16, she volunteered to serve in the medical corps of the frontline workers, participating in filling bomb craters and building roads in the former Vo Nhai district during the resistance against French colonialism, and then continued to contribute to the resistance against the US to save the country. To successfully complete her duties, she proactively attended specialized training courses and became a nurse.

Mrs. Dao recounted, her voice still choked with emotion: "Those were very difficult times. Medicine was scarce, the jungle paths were treacherous, and bombs and bullets were always lurking… but none of us lost heart. Just thinking about our compatriots, thinking about our country, gave us the strength to continue contributing."

Throughout the years of the resistance war, Ms. Dao was not only a dedicated nurse but also a steadfast soldier on the front lines. For her persistent and tireless contributions, she was awarded many prestigious honors, including the Second Class Resistance Medal against the American War, the Medal for the Cause of Women's Liberation, and numerous certificates of commendation from various levels of government, organizations, and associations.

Sixty years ago, Ms. Vu Thi Dao was officially admitted to the Party. She still vividly remembers the moment she stood beneath the Party flag, raising her hand to swear allegiance to the ideals of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought: "I promised myself that as a Party member, I must be a pioneer and an exemplary figure, whether in war or peace."

For the past 60 years, Mrs. Dao has always kept that unwavering vow. When the country entered peacetime, she continued to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to her homeland, actively participating in all local activities. From mobilizing people to donate land for road construction and rural development to contributing to funds such as: for the poor, for education, and for gratitude, she has always been a leading example.

Despite her advanced age, Mrs. Dao regularly attends Party branch meetings. She says: "As long as I have my health and my mind is sharp, I must be present. Even if I don't have any opinions, I must come to listen to my children and grandchildren discuss village affairs, Party building, and government administration. As a Party member, I cannot remain indifferent."

Mrs. Dao's life has also been a journey of many losses and sacrifices. Of her four children, two have passed away. Her husband, a doctor and a 55-year-old Party member, died many years ago. Only two children remain with her, one of whom is a doctor and also an exemplary Party member.

The pain of loss never subsided, but she maintained an optimistic spirit. Her small house in Vang hamlet, Trang Xa commune, was always filled with the warmth of laughter and conversation. She said: "If I'm sad, my children and grandchildren will be sad too. We must live in a way that is worthy, a way that future generations can follow."

Ms. Dao was always respected by her neighbors, not only for her revolutionary activities, but also for her harmonious and exemplary lifestyle. She was always a pioneer in local movements. From donating land for rural concrete roads to contributing labor to the construction of the village cultural center, she was always present.

Not only is she a shining example for the younger generation of Party members, but Ms. Dao is also an inspiration for positive living and patriotism among young people. Through simple yet truthful stories about her youth and the years of the resistance war to save the country, she helps the younger generation better understand the value of independence and peace.

She said: "You children are so fortunate now. But you must also learn to cherish and preserve what your ancestors left behind. Learn to live for the community and the country, contributing your efforts to building your homeland."

When asked about her greatest wish at the age of 88, she simply smiled gently and said, "I only wish for good health and a sharp mind for a few more years so I can continue participating in Party activities. Seeing my homeland transform, my children and grandchildren grow up, and the people prosper is all I need."

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, Mrs. Dao remains like a persistent flame, spreading positive energy, noble character, and revolutionary spirit to succeeding generations.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202509/60-nam-ven-loi-the-voi-dang-b3a6772/