Silent sacrifices
Although the war is long over, the memories of those years remain vivid in the mind of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chay (born in 1933, residing in Tua Hai hamlet, Chau Thanh commune, Tay Ninh province), a mother of war heroes, filled with loss and sacrifice. She had 12 children, two of whom, Le Van Xe and Tran Van Re, were martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives in the resistance war against the US. In 1953, she saw her eldest son, Le Van Xe, off on his mission, and then quietly received news of his death shortly afterward. In 1969, she encouraged her third son, Tran Van Re, to join the guerrilla forces of Thai Binh commune, Chau Thanh district, Tay Ninh province (now Chau Thanh commune), and he also died in a fierce battle at Vinh Crossroads. Throughout that time, she silently supplied medicine and food to her sons' comrades.
In gratitude and recognition of her immense sacrifices and contributions to the country, in 2016, the President of Vietnam bestowed the title of Heroic Vietnamese Mother upon Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chay. “When my children left, all I could do was encourage them and pray for their safety. When I heard the news of their sacrifice, I was heartbroken, but I still had to keep my spirits up to care for my remaining children and help those around me,” Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chay recounted emotionally.
In late March, following a delegation of officials, union members, and young people from Trang Bang ward to visit Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tron (born in 1948), a Vietnamese Heroic Mother, we felt even more strongly the warmth of generational solidarity. Despite her advanced age, she remains lucid, welcoming everyone with a gentle smile and eyes full of emotion.
During the war years, my mother endured immense loss when her husband and one son sacrificed their lives in the cause of defending the Fatherland (1966-1986). Tragedy followed tragedy, but she always remained a source of spiritual support for her family and descendants. In 2015, she was honored by the President of Vietnam with the prestigious title of Heroic Vietnamese Mother.
“Every time my grandchildren come to visit, the house feels more lively and joyful. I am deeply moved by the affection and concern of the government and the younger generations. At such times, my longing for my husband and children lessens somewhat, and my heart feels warmer and prouder of my children and grandchildren who are carrying on the traditions of our family and homeland,” shared Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tron.
In the home of Mrs. Le Thi Hai (born in 1933, residing in Tan Ninh ward), sacred relics are still preserved, marking the revolutionary traditions of her family. Her husband, martyr Pham Van Sua, joined the revolution in 1947, working at the Provincial Security Department. Throughout the years of resistance, she raised her children while supplying food, digging tunnels to shelter soldiers and revolutionary cadres. When her children grew up, she encouraged them to serve the Fatherland, including martyr Pham Van Dan, a police officer from Tay Ninh Province, who died in the bombing at Go Chua in 1972.
The silent sacrifices of the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers are a testament to their courage, resilience, and love for their country, creating admirable chapters in history that every citizen is proud of.
The youth carry on the legacy and build upon the traditions.
As of March 31, 2026, the province has 53 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers receiving monthly preferential allowances and other allowances as prescribed. Over the past period, the care for these mothers has always been a priority for the Party committees and authorities at all levels in the province. To date, 100% of the surviving Vietnamese Heroic Mothers are being cared for for life by organizations, individuals, and businesses (some mothers are cared for by 2-3 different entities).
Every year, the Department of Internal Affairs, in coordination with relevant departments and localities, reviews and compiles a list of meritorious individuals (including Vietnamese Heroic Mothers) facing housing difficulties, in order to advise the Provincial People's Committee on timely support for new construction or repairs. Besides those mothers whose houses were built by their families, the majority of them receive support from the local authorities to build charitable houses according to regulations.
During holidays and festivals, in addition to gifts from the President, the mothers are regularly visited and given gifts by leaders and local authorities at all levels in the province. These noble gestures have contributed to improving their material lives, boosting their morale, and alleviating their pain, allowing them to live better lives.
Together with the Party Committee, government, and mass organizations, the youth of Tay Ninh actively uphold the national traditions of "showing gratitude" and "remembering the source of the water we drink." Le Ngoc Minh Hung, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Chau Thanh commune and Secretary of the Chau Thanh Commune Youth Union, said: “Every year, the Commune Youth Union, in coordination with other units, organizes visits and presents more than 30 gifts to Vietnamese Heroic Mothers during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), and implements many meaningful activities such as the 'Journey to Red Addresses', house cleaning, and the 'Meal of Love' program. Through these activities, Youth Union members and young people have the opportunity to experience firsthand, listen to mothers recount heroic historical stories, thereby fostering patriotism and a sense of responsibility.”
“Every time I visit the mothers, I feel moved and proud to hear them tell stories about the lives, pain, and noble sacrifices of the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers. I will strive to study hard and dedicate myself to building a prosperous and beautiful homeland,” shared Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy, Secretary of the Youth Union of Tua Hai hamlet, Chau Thanh commune.
In Trang Bang ward, the work of caring for and supporting Vietnamese Heroic Mothers is regularly implemented and linked with traditional education activities for union members and young people. Tran Khai Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward and Secretary of the Trang Bang Ward Youth Union, said: “The ward's Youth Union regularly organizes visits, gift-giving, and 'Journeys to Red Addresses'... Through these activities, young people hear stories about the sacrifices and hardships of the mothers, thereby understanding and appreciating the revolutionary traditions of the nation.”
In the coming time, the Ward Youth Union will continue to expand its activities to care for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers in a practical way, such as: maintaining regular visits, supporting the repair of houses of gratitude, organizing activities, telling historical stories, and combining practical experiences at "red addresses" to educate about traditions and spread the spirit of "gratitude and repayment" to young people.
Activities to honor and care for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers not only bring joy and warmth to the mothers but also become a source of inspiration and a vivid lesson about courage, sacrifice, and responsibility for the young generation of Tay Ninh, ready to follow in their footsteps and contribute to building their homeland and country.
Source: https://baotayninh.vn/dang-me-dung-giua-long-dan-toc-145220.html
![[Photo] Thousands of people participate in a run to show their support for the campaign "Sharing a common determination to build drug-free communes, wards, and special zones".](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/06/27/1782554475933_0673e2a3df7b5e25076a-8283-jpg.webp)
