Nearly 80-year-old veteran drives motorbike from Vinh to Ho Chi Minh City to watch parade

Veteran Tran Van Thanh (born in 1949) is a soldier who fought and died on the battlefield in Quang Tri. He lives with his wife in block 16, Quang Trung ward, Vinh city ( Nghe An ), and has 2 daughters who have started their own families.

The qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" always shine in this veteran. Mr. Pham Quoc Huong, block leader of block 16, Quang Trung ward said: "Uncle Thanh is quite humorous, optimistic, cheerful and very responsible for the block, always loved by everyone. Previously, in a block meeting, Uncle Thanh mentioned that he would attend the celebration of the Southern Liberation Day on April 30 by riding his motorbike, but we just thought he was joking."

On April 17, Mr. Thanh left home and began his journey to Ho Chi Minh City. He had previously told his wife and children that he would take the train, but he had secretly packed his belongings overnight and traveled by motorbike.

On the way to Ho Chi Minh City, veteran Tran Van Thanh burned incense for his comrades at the Martyrs' Cemetery of Vinh Linh District ( Quang Tri Province) and the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Cemetery.

Mr. Thanh brought with him the national flag, a suitcase containing a few clothes, a wooden box containing personal belongings, a pot and a stove. The image of him in military uniform, riding a motorbike on the road with the red flag with a yellow star fluttering behind him touched the hearts of many people.

Veteran Tran Van Thanh shared: “Being old and weak, I have considered how to travel. Going by public transport is less tiring, but I cannot visit my comrades who are resting on the old battlefield, nor do I have time to stop and admire the changes in my country. I ride a motorbike to see every inch of the country after liberation, to see the true happiness of peace .”

The years with his comrades “determination to die for the Fatherland, determination to live” have passed in the fire of war, those who were lucky enough to return home will forever miss those who will forever lie in the bosom of the motherland. Mr. Thanh’s journey was also an opportunity for him to visit his comrades who are resting in the fiery land of Quang Tri - the old battlefield where he once fought. He went to the Martyrs’ Cemetery of Vinh Linh District (Quang Tri Province) and the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Cemetery to burn incense for his comrades.

Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Huyen (Mr. Thanh's daughter) shared: "When we learned that my father was traveling alone for such a long distance, my mother and I were very worried. But he reached the finish line, and was loved and supported by many people, so we felt warm."

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Thanh participated in the television program "Vang mai khuc khai trien" on the evening of April 27. He shared about his journey and the reason for making this special trip. "I want to experience every inch of my homeland, feel the peaceful and happy atmosphere of the country," he said.

Zen Linh

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/cuu-chien-binh-gan-80-tuoi-lai-xe-may-tu-vinh-vao-tp-hcm-xem-dieu-binh-post547129.html