Memories of the historic month of April

I visited Mr. Nguyen Trong Lap, former Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee, Chairman of the People's Council, and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Quoc Oai Town, at his home in Hoa Voi residential area, Quoc Oai Town, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi City, on a day in mid-April. At the age of 70, he still vividly remembers the days he participated in the fight for national liberation in 1975.

In 1973, when he was not yet 18 years old and still in school, but hearing the news broadcast calling on young people to go to war, young Nguyen Trong Lap volunteered to enlist and went to defend the Fatherland. After two months of training, Mr. Lap was sent to study to become a reconnaissance non-commissioned officer at the 701st Reconnaissance Battalion, one of the main units of the 1st Army Corps.

Veteran Nguyen Trong Lap is not only a soldier who defended the homeland during the war, but also a dedicated official who has contributed to building his hometown in peacetime .

He was then assigned to and became the deputy squad leader of the reconnaissance squad of Battalion 5, the strategic reserve force of Regiment 165, Division 312, Corps 1. At the end of February 1975, Nguyen Trong Lap and his comrades marched swiftly into the Southern battlefield. At that time, Battalion 5 was tasked with capturing the Phu Loi sub-district in Thu Dau Mot province (now Binh Duong province). Phu Loi was then an important enemy base in the North Saigon defense line.

“During the march, we heard news that our troops had won at several strongholds, which encouraged me and my comrades, so everyone was optimistic and eager to set off. We knew that going meant being ready to sacrifice ourselves, but because of our compatriots, we were very determined, united, and overcame all difficulties,” Mr. Lap recalled.

For Mr. Lap, the days spent participating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign are unforgettable memories. He reminisced about the hardships of that time: “Compared to the generation of our fathers and brothers, the suffering we faced was nothing, but it was enough to understand how fierce the war was. At that time, we marched continuously for many days on the Truong Son road, the dust was so thick we couldn't see the road, and we ate, bathed, and washed our clothes in any puddle of water. The camaraderie among comrades amidst the bombs and bullets was incredibly strong. Despite the shortages of everything, we shared everything from food and clothing to half-smoked cigarettes with each other.”

At the end of April 1975, Battalion 5, along with other armed forces, received orders to attack and liberate Thu Dau Mot province. At exactly 10:30 AM on April 30, 1975, Regiment 165 completely took control of the Phu Loi base complex.

Also during that historic moment, when the Liberation flag flew atop the Independence Palace, his most profound memory was sitting with his comrades on an enemy tank as they advanced to capture the governor's residence in Thu Dau Mot. His eyes sparkled with pride: "During liberation, we sat on the enemy tank we had just captured as we advanced to arrest the governor of Thu Dau Mot – it was very impressive."

Veteran Nguyen Trong Lap (standing in the front row, first from the left) was awarded a commendation by the People's Committee of Quoc Oai Town for his outstanding achievements in the emulation movement in 2011.

After liberation, he and his comrades received orders to stay and take over the Phu Loi base complex for 26 days and nights. He emotionally recounted: "Perhaps the most memorable image for me was that of the people of the South rushing out from both sides of the road, joyfully waving to welcome our soldiers. At that moment, I felt immense joy and pride at having completed my mission, liberating the South and unifying the country..."

Upholding the qualities of a soldier, building the homeland.

In October 1987, Captain Nguyen Trong Lap retired as a disabled veteran with a 75% disability rating (previously, he was an Assistant Staff Officer in the 114th Special Forces Regiment, 26th Corps, Military Region 1). Returning to peacetime, veteran Nguyen Trong Lap continued to uphold the noble qualities of a soldier of Uncle Ho. In 2001, he was elected Chairman of the People's Committee of Quoc Oai Town. He was exemplary in all his actions, always actively participating in community movements and contributing to the development of his hometown.

Therefore, after his term ended, Mr. Nguyen Trong Lap continued to be trusted by the people and elected as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Quoc Oai Town for the term 2004-2009, and Chairman of the Fatherland Front of Quoc Oai Town for the term 2009-2015. In his twilight years, he continued to contribute to his homeland as Chairman of the Elderly Association of Quoc Oai Town from 2015 to 2019.

Veteran Nguyen Trong Lap (first from the left) was elected Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee by delegates at the 20th Party Congress of Quoc Oai Town for the 2005-2010 term on July 16, 2005.

Despite being a war invalid and suffering from 41% exposure to Agent Orange, he firmly believes that one of the most valuable qualities of the Ho Chi Minh's soldiers is finding ways to overcome difficulties at all costs to complete their missions. Therefore, Mr. Lap always strives to overcome challenges, maintain his health, and continue working and serving in the local community.

"After leaving the military, I have always strived to cultivate and improve my moral character. In any role I play, I try my best to fulfill the assigned tasks to be worthy of the trust and affection that the people have placed in me," Mr. Lap said.

Commenting on veteran Nguyen Trong Lap, Mr. Phung Van Binh, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Quoc Oai Town, said: “Mr. Nguyen Trong Lap is an exemplary member, always actively and enthusiastically mobilizing members to participate in all movements launched by the Veterans Association and the local government. At the same time, he strictly adheres to all policies and guidelines of the Party and the State, serving as a shining example for Quoc Oai Town.”

Text and photos: PHUONG UYEN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/50-nam-dai-thang-mua-xuan-1975/cuu-chien-binh-xung-danh-bo-doi-cu-ho-824961