Gratitude towards Cuba

The recent appeal by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society to support the Cuban people in commemoration of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025 and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (December 2, 1960 / December 2, 2025) has stirred deep emotions in every Vietnamese person, reminding us of the unforgettable years of Cuba's kindness towards Vietnam during our country's difficult times.

For generations, the Vietnamese people have deeply cherished the principle of "repaying gratitude," considering loyalty and friendship as the red thread of the nation's cultural tradition. Throughout the nation's history, few relationships have reflected this spirit as fully as the solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba.

Speaking of Cuba, as early as 1960, when Vietnam was still engulfed in the flames of war and facing countless difficulties and losses, Cuba pioneered the establishment of diplomatic relations, becoming one of the first countries in the world to officially support the national liberation struggle of our people. Not only did they express their support through political declarations, but during those difficult times, Cuba provided Vietnam with its most valuable resources: hospitals, hotels, roads, breeding farms, doctors, engineers... They welcomed thousands of Vietnamese students as if they were their own children. That kindness remains deeply etched in the minds of every Vietnamese person to this day. In particular, the immortal words of Cuban leader Fidel Castro: "For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed even its own blood" have become the highest symbol of proletarian internationalism and profound human compassion.

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and Council of Ministers of the Republic of Cuba Fidel Castro with General Secretary Do Muoi, President Le Duc Anh, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet and General Vo Nguyen Giap at the Presidential Palace on the evening of December 8, 1995. (Photo: VNA)

Someone once said: In life, it's rare to meet a friend like that. International relations are based on self-interest, so encountering a country that is so pure, kind, and loyal is even rarer. How many examples of international solidarity can be found in the world that surpass this?

Today, as our brotherly nation Cuba struggles against natural disasters, epidemics, and harsh embargo policies, in response to the call of the Vietnam Red Cross, people from all walks of life and overseas Vietnamese have voluntarily and spontaneously donated without any administrative order from any agency. In particular, many of these donors are students who grew up in peacetime and are continuing the tradition of gratitude and unwavering loyalty of the Vietnamese people.

Gratitude is not something that comes naturally; it needs to be educated, nurtured, and cultivated through historical stories and lessons about humanity, so that this tradition can continue to be preserved and spread to present and future generations.

I believe that in every school, family, or social activity, the story of the friendship between Vietnam and Cuba should be retold with utmost respect, so that today's young generations understand that the friendship between the two nations was built not only on words, but on blood, sweat, and unconditional sacrifice.

When a younger generation grows up with a deep sense of gratitude, they will appreciate human values, share with the community, and stand shoulder to shoulder with international friends when needed. This will not only help maintain the good relationship between Vietnam and Cuba, but also contribute to building an image of compassionate and loyal Vietnamese people in the eyes of friends around the world.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/an-nghia-voi-cuba-841850