A reunion of soldiers

Three military officers, including Lieutenant General, Associate Professor-Doctor Nguyen Duc Hai; Lieutenant General, Hero of the Armed Forces Luu Phuoc Luong; and Colonel, writer Tran The Tuyen, had an emotional reunion at a book launch on the afternoon of May 31st in Ho Chi Minh City.

This was not simply a book launch, but also a gathering of people who had lived through the war and continued to contribute through writings that were deeply responsible to history and to future generations.

Lieutenant General, Hero of the Armed Forces Luu Phuoc Luong with the book series "The Mark of Life , " "Discussion and Reflection - A Perspective from Practice" (People's Army Publishing House, reprinted in 2026); Lieutenant General, Associate Professor - Doctor Nguyen Duc Hai with three works: "The Political-Military Geostrategy of the Central Highlands ," "The Battlefield and the People's Hearts ," and "Storms and Seas of Love" (People's Army Publishing House, 2026); Colonel, writer Tran The Tuyen with two works: "Mother Sitting on the Doorstep" and "The Land of the Fatherland" (Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House, 2026).

The artworks were showcased at the event. Photo: HO SON

Sharing his thoughts on the publication "Milestones of Life ," Lieutenant General Luu Phuoc Luong said that he wrote this work in one year, documenting his entire journey from the age of 5 or 6 to when he was over 70 years old. Every stage and every important event in his life was recalled and recorded by him.

Through "The Mark of Life ," the author wishes to depict the arduous struggle of the nation to gain independence and freedom, so that today's youth can clearly visualize the past. Through this, he hopes to convey aspirations and beliefs, inspiring the younger generation to contribute to building an increasingly strong and prosperous nation.

"Discussions and Reflections" is a collection of articles spanning the entire career of Lieutenant General Luu Phuoc Luong. The articles are based on practical experience with diverse perspectives, covering a wide range of topics, with the overarching theme being the aspiration for a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developing country.

In the works of Lieutenant General Nguyen Duc Hai, there is a harmonious blend of soldier and poet. However, he never considered himself a poet, but rather saw himself as someone who recorded emotions on his life's journey, beginning from his years of studying in bomb shelters in 1972.

According to Lieutenant General Nguyen Duc Hai, experiences from the battlefield and human relationships amidst the ups and downs of the nation are inseparable sources of inspiration. “The battlefield gave me experiences, and human relationships gave me emotions. The country's journey through its ups and downs has left me with many thoughts. This is what makes the soldier's life inseparable from my emotions. And it is the life of a soldier that helps to elevate my poetry,” Lieutenant General Nguyen Duc Hai expressed.

Colonel and writer Tran The Tuyen expressed his gratitude to the readers who attended the program. Photo: HO SON

Colonel and writer Tran The Tuyen believes that for a soldier, holding a gun comes first, then holding a pen. The words of soldiers emerging from war do not come from the "ivory tower" of art, but are carefully crafted from the blood, tears, sweat, and sacrifices of their comrades.

For over half a century as a writer, Colonel Tran The Tuyen has consistently focused on themes of revolutionary war, meritorious individuals, the human condition, and humanistic values. At the program, Colonel Tran The Tuyen introduced two important works published by the Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House: "Land of the Fatherland" (short stories and essays), comprising 30 short stories and 75 essays; and "Mother Sitting by the Doorway " (poetry and epic poem).

Writer Bich Ngan, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association, shared: “Currently, memoirs are the most sought-after genre by readers because of the authenticity they offer. I hope authors will start writing, because those who directly held weapons and went through pain and loss are often the best writers about war.”

HO SON

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/cuoc-hoi-ngo-cua-nhung-nguoi-linh-post855312.html