Former Youth Volunteers set a shining example, following Uncle Ho's teachings.

As May arrives, former Youth Volunteers from the resistance war against the French, now living in Hoang Hoa commune, fondly recall the memories of a time when they enthusiastically followed the call of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

Former Youth Volunteer Corps member Le Viet Khich is happy with his daily work.

Mr. Le Viet Khich, born in 1935 in Khang Tho Hung village, invited us to have some water, his hands still nimbly weaving baskets. His eyes shone with pride as he recounted his years serving in the Dien Bien Phu campaign and his memorable experiences of meeting President Ho Chi Minh twice.

In January 1954, in preparation for the Dien Bien Phu campaign, he and several comrades in his unit, being in good health, were assigned to join the regular army in digging trenches to encircle the enemy's fortified positions and building roads for the troops to move artillery during the campaign... His unit was fortunate to receive a visit and encouragement from President Ho Chi Minh. "That time, we were working at Bach Thong Bridge in Bac Kan province when President Ho Chi Minh visited. He saw us lying without mats, covered in sores and itching... He encouraged us to maintain cleanliness and continue to strive to overcome difficulties. He even recited a few lines of poetry: 'Nothing is difficult / only fear of a lack of perseverance / Digging mountains and filling seas / With determination, success will be achieved.' For us Youth Volunteers, these four lines of poetry have always been a guiding principle for our ideals and purpose in life to this day," Mr. Khich recounted.

After the victory at Dien Bien Phu, Mr. Khich returned to his hometown and in 1968 he re-enlisted in Company 4, Battalion 2, Regiment 36, Division 308 to participate in the resistance against the US. At this time, he went to Hanoi for three months of training before going to fight in the South. There, for the second time, he and his comrades had the honor of meeting President Ho Chi Minh when he came to encourage the unit on their march south. President Ho Chi Minh instructed: "When going to fight the Americans, you must train your legs and willpower. Because the march to the South is quite long, at the places where you stop to rest you must dig trenches for shelter." President Ho Chi Minh's intention was to always ensure the safety of their lives...

At the same time as Mr. Khich, Mr. Do Trong On from Ha Thai village also joined the Youth Volunteer Force in the resistance against the French. Mr. On was also fortunate enough to meet President Ho Chi Minh after the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu. Mr. On recounted: "During a mission to bring eight outstanding comrades from our unit, who had been sent to study in the Soviet Union and China, to a safe zone to be handed over to another unit, we were sitting in neat rows when President Ho Chi Minh came in. He waved, patted our heads, and talked to us."

“Although our meetings with Uncle Ho were brief, he always encouraged and advised us like a father.” This is the proud sentiment of Mr. Khich and Mr. On. Uncle Ho's words have stayed with them throughout the years. After the resistance war against the French, upon returning to their hometowns, they diligently contributed to economic development; building a new life; and promoting and mobilizing the people to participate actively in the movements of the commune and villages. Mr. Khich held many positions in the commune, such as head of the cooperative, head of the commune police, land cadastral officer, and member of the Association of Former Youth Volunteers of Hoang Duc commune, in the former Hoang Hoa district... In every position, he performed his duties well. Even at the age of 93, he still finds time to go to the fields to harvest tobacco, weave baskets, and always sets a shining example, living happily, healthily, and with a strong sense of camaraderie.

As for Mr. On, after returning to his hometown, he actively worked and produced, taking care of his family with his wife, raising his children and ensuring they received an education. All three of them are former Youth Volunteers who fought in the resistance against the French. Mr. On shared: "Although my health is weak, my memory is still good, and we always teach our children and grandchildren to abide by the Party's guidelines, the State's policies and laws, and to continue to uphold the revolutionary traditions of our family."

In everyday life, the former Youth Volunteers of yesteryear still uphold and promote the qualities of Ho Chi Minh's soldiers, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility in educating future generations about revolutionary traditions, earning the respect and admiration of everyone.

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cuu-tnxp-neu-guong-sang-nbsp-lam-theo-loi-bac-288099.htm