Amidst the chaotic scene after the severe flood, the green of the soldiers' uniforms stood out as the color of faith. The sound of shovels and mud scraping echoed regularly, mixed with the encouragement and laughter of Uncle Ho's soldiers. Each group of soldiers diligently restored each house, each road, each small corner of the village, step by step bringing peace back to the people in the flooded area.

Soldiers and teachers join hands to clean Cat Tien High School.

To help students return to school early, officers and soldiers of the 25th Engineer Brigade were present at Cat Tien High School from early morning. Each soldier carefully gathered mud into piles and pushed them out by cart; each classroom and each wall were scrubbed clean down to every corner. Despite the cold rain, sweat mixed with rainwater still ran down the young faces, but the smiles never faded.

Corporal Nguyen Hoang Phu, a soldier of Company 25, Battalion 741, Engineer Brigade 25, shared: “When the flood receded, seeing people still worried because of the thick mud, we only thought about how to help people stabilize soon. Although we were tired, every time we saw a cleaner classroom corner, a more open road, our hearts felt lighter. This is a memory that I will certainly never forget throughout my military career. When the water rose, we helped people evacuate, when the water receded, we returned to help people rebuild their lives, that is the pride of us engineers.”

Not only schools, but also families with preferential policies, single parents or those in difficult circumstances, soldiers were present very early to help people overcome the situation. At the house of Mr. Nguyen Xa Hoi, a 2/4 disabled soldier, in village 6, the mud was 10cm thick, covering the yard to the kitchen. His old age and the after-effects of a stroke made it extremely difficult for him to move around. When he returned to see the messy house, his eyes were red, both sad and helpless.

But that sadness quickly gave way to emotion when groups of soldiers and local militia came to help him clean the house. In just one morning, the house was clean, smelling of floor cleaner, pots and dishes were washed and placed neatly.

Comrade Ho Quoc Phong, Secretary of Cat Tien Commune Party Committee, presented gifts to thank the soldiers.

Mr. Nguyen Xa Hoi choked up: “When the flood came, the soldiers carried me across the raging water to evacuate. When the flood receded, the soldiers took me home and helped me clean up. The soldier today still holds firm, still radiates the image of Uncle Ho's soldiers. I am very grateful! I appreciate it very much!”

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Trong, Commander of the Cat Tien Commune Military Command, shared: “During this flood, many militia families also suffered losses, but we all put aside our personal matters and focused on supporting the people first. The spirit is to finish the work for the people before returning home. Everyone is determined like that.”

Comrade Ho Quoc Phong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Cat Tien Commune, Lam Dong Province, affirmed: “During the days of flooding, soldiers and militia were always at the front line to support people in evacuating people and property. When the water receded, comrades continued to rush in to clean up and repair. They worked regardless of sun, rain, or hardship. It was this dedication that helped Cat Tien quickly stabilize again.”

The work in Cat Tien was completed. While the people were taking a nap after days of facing the fierce floods, the soldiers quietly left to continue their mission elsewhere. They carried with them their pride and left behind a land that was gradually reviving.

News and photos: STRENGTH

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/cat-tien-lam-dong-binh-yen-tro-lai-tu-nhung-buoc-chan-nguoi-linh-1013556