Grateful for the word "compatriots".

On the morning of September 12th, amidst a relentless downpour, the Thao River surged above alarm level III due to the remnants of Typhoon No. 3. Convoys of vehicles from numerous provinces and cities across the country continued to stream towards Ha Hoa district, where thousands of houses were submerged in floodwaters by the historic flood, and thousands of families were forced to seek temporary shelter, desperately needing support and assistance. This poignant scene deepened our understanding and gratitude for the meaning of "compatriots."

Food, drinks, and essential supplies are being transported to people in the flooded areas.

Among the convoy were vehicles carrying soldiers in their green uniforms, ready to brave the rain to quickly clear the road for traffic. It was truly moving to witness a large truck carrying fishing boats from Quang Binh to support the flood-stricken people of Ha Hoa, upon hearing that their compatriots were flooded and cut off, with boats being the only means of transport to deliver food and drink. Many vehicles carrying life jackets, flashlights, and other necessities did not stop in Ha Hoa but also went to Yen Bai , Lao Cai, and other provinces where many people were facing even greater difficulties.

Upon arriving in the flooded areas, we easily noticed the prominent presence of soldiers, police officers, volunteer youth, and other forces working together to transport people and property to safety, all wearing the green uniforms of the Ho Chi Minh Army, the police, and other self-defense militia members. Many police officers, soldiers, and militia members had red, sore hands from skillfully moving people's belongings; some had even suffered minor injuries.

It is even more touching to witness the images and spirit of mutual support from our compatriots everywhere, reaching out to the North. Many delegations from provinces and cities such as Da Nang, Quang Binh , Thua Thien Hue, Ha Tinh... have set off for the North. Besides visiting, encouraging, and providing spiritual and material support, provinces in Central and Southern Vietnam are also assisting local areas in coping with and recovering from the floods. Thousands of life jackets, boxes of instant noodles, and sticky rice cakes... have been packaged and transported by local authorities and individuals to support people in the key flood-affected areas.

Vehicles belonging to the Quang Binh fishing group are transporting boats to support flood victims in Ha Hoa district.

Charitable groups also called for and gathered volunteers to contribute and support the flood victims with boats, life jackets, food, and supplies. In the relentless downpour, under the gray sky, we felt a warmth in our hearts when we saw the eyes of the flood victims still shining with hope, perhaps because people across the country had brought them not only material support but, more importantly, spiritual value and the sharing of love. This gave them faith and hope, dispelling the confusion and shock they had just experienced.

As of September 14th, the Provincial Fatherland Front had received over 50 billion VND in support from organizations and individuals (including 30 billion VND from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front) to promptly assist localities affected by natural disasters in stabilizing their lives. The Provincial Red Cross Society guided over 60 volunteer groups to provide direct support in flooded areas, with a total relief and support value exceeding 3 billion VND.

The association received goods and necessities including banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), instant noodles, rice, milk, bottled water, dried food... worth 1.68 billion VND, and received 411.2 million VND in cash. The spirit of solidarity, brotherhood, and mutual support was strengthened and spread strongly.

As I sit here writing these lines, I received a message from an acquaintance in the flood-affected area: "You must be very busy today. Thanks to the press and social media, many relief vehicles have come to my hometown. Many vehicles even passed by my house on their way to Yen Bai and Lao Cai. Every time I see the rescue convoy pass by, I'm so moved I almost cry."

On the morning of September 15th, following the directives of the Politburo, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a conference to discuss urgent solutions to overcome the consequences of Typhoon No. 3, quickly stabilize the situation for the people, restore production and business, and promote growth. Those attending the conference were deeply moved when they heard about the damage caused by Typhoon No. 3, especially when mentioning the people of Nu village, Phuc Khanh commune, Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province, where flash floods and landslides caused significant loss of life... and the Prime Minister broke down in tears.

At that moment, I realized even more deeply that it was no coincidence that while reading the Declaration of Independence in Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh paused and affectionately asked, "Can you hear me clearly, my compatriots?" Researchers point out that "compatriots" holds a special place in Ho Chi Minh's work. In the two years of 1945 and 1946 alone, especially when the country was in a precarious situation, he wrote 20 letters titled "To My Compatriots."

In his letter to the Congress of Ethnic Minorities in Southern Vietnam held in Pleiku on April 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh wrote: “Whether Kinh or Tho, Muong or Man, Gia Rai or Ede, Sedang or Bana, and other ethnic minorities, all are descendants of Vietnam, all are brothers and sisters. We live and die together, share joy and sorrow together, and help each other in times of plenty and scarcity.”

The unwavering loyalty and devotion of the two words "compatriots" have created the strength that has enabled Vietnam to overcome all hardships and challenges in the process of nation-building and national defense, and to achieve many glorious feats during the period of reform and integration at its peak. A clear example is the fierce COVID-19 pandemic, where the entire Vietnamese nation strengthened its unity and worked together to fight the pandemic. This helped the country successfully achieve the dual goal of "fighting the pandemic and developing the economy," earning the admiration of the world.

During the recent historic super typhoon and flood, more than ever, hundreds of millions of Vietnamese hearts, both at home and abroad, beat in unison, demonstrating their compassion and solidarity towards their fellow countrymen in the North. Overcoming the losses during and after the natural disaster, the sacred value and gratitude for the word "compatriots" became even clearer.

In just a few days, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Hung Temple (September 19, 1954 - September 19, 2024). Even during times of devastating natural disasters, we still hear the echoes of President Ho Chi Minh's words: "The Hung Kings built the nation. We, their descendants, must together preserve it." Reality has proven that while storms and floods may sweep away lives and material possessions, they cannot shake the spirit of unity and brotherhood, enabling us to overcome difficulties and challenges together, contributing to building a strong and prosperous Vietnam, and ensuring the happiness and well-being of our people.

Trinh Ha

Source: https://baophutho.vn/biet-on-hai-chu-dong-bao-219100.htm