Mr. Linh enjoys farming and production - Photo: TP
Mr. Diep Hong Linh (born in 1951), a native of Kien Giang town, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, had a heroic and vibrant youth, directly participating in important battles that contributed to restoring peace to the country. In July 1972, carrying the aspiration to fight for national liberation, this young soldier, along with his comrades from Regiment 48, Division 320, became one of the forces directly defending Quang Tri Citadel .
During that fierce 81-day and 81-night battle, many fell, their blood mixing with the waters of the Thach Han River. He himself was severely wounded in the leg. After recovering, he and his comrades continued to achieve victories at Cua Viet, the "steel outpost" of Quang Long, Trieu Trach commune. Not stopping there, on April 30, 1975, he and the Saigon liberation forces captured the Independence Palace. The overwhelming joy of witnessing the heroic red flag with a yellow star flying atop the palace is something he can never forget.
After the reunification, Mr. Linh was transferred to work at Ben Hai Commercial Company, now Hien Luong Commercial Joint Stock Company. This was one of the reasons why this son of Quang Binh chose to establish his career and build a new life in the heroic land of Vinh Linh.
In 1979, he once again donned the military uniform, participating in the fight to defend the northern border of the Fatherland. Upon returning, he continued working at Hien Luong Trading Joint Stock Company until 1990 when he retired. “Born and raised in Quang Binh, but for more than half of my life and my family's lives have been connected to Vinh Linh, Quang Tri province. I love this land as much as my own homeland, and that's why I've always dedicated myself, both in times of war and peace,” Mr. Linh confided.
Mr. Loi (on the left) always promptly understands the thoughts and feelings of the members - Photo: TP
Returning to civilian life, upholding the qualities of a soldier of Uncle Ho's army, he not only actively participated in local activities and movements organized by the Veterans' Association at all levels, but also enthusiastically developed the economy . The Mai Linh restaurant, opened by him and his wife from 1997 to 2021, always attracted many customers. Currently, Mr. Linh and his wife spend more time enjoying time with their children and grandchildren and tending to their small garden.
These days, following the news that the two provinces of Quang Tri and Quang Binh will merge and take the new name Quang Tri, Mr. Linh is very excited and happy. “Quang Binh and Quang Tri share similarities in accent and culture, so the merger is perfectly logical. What could be more joyful than having the old and new homelands united under one roof? I am very confident that the new Quang Tri province will inherit and develop the internal strengths of the two former provinces to become even more prosperous,” Mr. Linh shared.
Also participating in the 81-day and 81-night battle to defend the Quang Tri Citadel was veteran Cao Xuan Y (born in 1953). At over 70 years old, and suffering from the lingering effects of war, his health has deteriorated, and his movements have become slower. However, when recalling the fierce 81-day and 81-night battle at the Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, his eyes become alert and his mind remarkably sharp.
Mr. Ý was born and raised in Duy Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province, but chose to live in a small, peaceful house by the Thach Han River. He enlisted in the army in 1971 and was assigned to Unit K8, Quang Tri Provincial Military Command, becoming part of the force directly protecting the Ancient Citadel.
“The war was fierce back then. I was wounded in the eye and leg, and I fought in my blood-soaked uniform until it dried. But unfortunately, my friends and comrades sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. When we left our hometown for the South, we promised to return together on the day of victory. Yet, some of them are still missing. That’s why I chose to stay in Quang Tri town as a way to remember my comrades,” Mr. Y said.
In 1976, he was sent for training by his superiors, and then returned to work at the People's Committee of Trieu Hai District, later the People's Committee of Trieu Phong District, until his retirement. Throughout his career, he always strived to complete his tasks well, earning high praise from his superiors and colleagues. As a veteran of Quang Tri town, Mr. Y always actively participated in the activities and movements of the association, especially those related to showing gratitude and respect. Despite his health limitations, he still dedicates time each year to offering incense at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel and the martyrs' cemeteries in the area.
Veteran Cao Xuan Y regularly updates himself on the latest information through the press - Photo: TP
Mr. and Mrs. Ý have a total of three children, all of whom have grown up and become useful citizens to society. Even now, when the whole family gathers together, Mr. Ý often tells his children and grandchildren about the heroic years of his youth and his comrades. He reminds them of the value of today's peace, which was bought with the blood and sacrifices of previous generations, urging them to always strive to study hard and contribute their strength and intellect to the future.
In a conversation with us, he confided: “My youth was dedicated to this land. For me, Quang Tri is my second home because my family, relatives, and comrades are here. These days, with the news of Quang Binh and Quang Tri merging into the new Quang Tri, my heart is filled with even more joy.” Having gone through many mergers and separations with countless changes, veteran Cao Xuan Y remains steadfast in his belief that with unity and solidarity, the new Quang Tri will soon develop in all aspects, strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the major provinces in the country.
“Quang Binh and Quang Tri were once separated from Binh Tri Thien province, but now they are back together. Quang Binh is where I was born, while Quang Tri is where I have worked and lived for more than a third of my life. Now that I hear the two provinces are united, I can't help but feel happy and excited,” these are the simple words of veteran Le Xuan Loi (born in 1958), a son of Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, who has long been connected to Quang Tri.
In 1981, after graduating from the Logistics Academy, he was assigned to the Logistics Department of Military Region 4. In 1992, following a reassignment from Military Region 4, he worked at the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command, responsible for providing material support for the daily life, training, and combat operations of the army. That same year, he was further assigned by the Provincial Military Command to work at the Dong Ha City Military Command until his retirement.
From 1992 to 2010, in his role as Head of Logistics and Engineering, Mr. Loi continuously honed his professional skills; he thoughtfully researched and contributed to the development of operational regulations and the construction of local military logistics at the grassroots and unit levels. Through this, he contributed to building a strong logistics system for the armed forces of Quang Tri province.
Having lived and worked in Dong Ha City for over 25 years, Mr. Loi feels fortunate to have always received enthusiastic help and support from his comrades and neighbors. Although they were strangers, not sharing the same birthplace, their genuine affection made this veteran feel as if he were living right in his hometown.
After retiring and joining the local Veterans Association, Mr. Loi's sociable and active nature further endeared him to the members. In 2022, he was elected as the Head of the Veterans Association Branch in Ward 1, Dong Ha City. The Veterans Association Branch in Ward 1 currently has 89 members, mostly retired officials with plenty of free time. Therefore, Mr. Loi has made efforts to build and promote the physical exercise and sports movement.
At the same time, he maintained a fund to support members in borrowing capital for economic development; strengthened activities of gratitude and appreciation; and promptly visited members when they were sick or in trouble. Thanks to his leadership, the branch's activities have developed strongly. In recent years, the branch has consistently been a leading unit among the Veterans Associations in the entire ward.
From the fierce battlefields of the past to the peaceful days of today, veterans from Quang Binh province are connected to Quang Tri not only through memories but also through their lives and family work.
The merger of Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces is not just an administrative decision, but also a convergence of sentiment, of the past and the present. And perhaps, the belief in a new, developed, and strong Quang Tri is not only held by Mr. Loi, Mr. Y, or Mr. Linh, but is also the shared hope of the people in this central region of Vietnam.
Truc Phuong
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/cuu-chien-binh-hai-que-mot-long-194473.htm
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