Upon arriving at the 229th Brigade to participate in the program, we were very impressed by the festive atmosphere at the central stadium. From afar, the booths of the units were bustling with visitors taking photos; the green of the soldiers' uniforms mingled with traditional ethnic costumes and shirts bearing the red flag with a yellow star, creating a vibrant and colorful picture.

Located in the center, the program's stage stood out with its eye-catching decorations of flags and flowers, and the sound system was vibrant. When we arrived, nearly 1,000 officers, youth union members, women's union members, and trade union members from all units under the Corps and affiliated units were already present. The presence of the Corps' leaders and commanders added to the warm and solemn atmosphere.

The drum performance "The Call of the Homeland" opened the evening's festivities.

Speaking with us, Colonel Khong Manh Hung, Deputy Political Commissar of the Engineering Corps, said that the evening's festivities were a practical activity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Corps' traditional day. It was also an opportunity for extensive political and cultural activities, contributing to the education and cultivation of patriotism, pride in the Army, and the Corps' traditions among officers, members, and affiliates of mass organizations in all subordinate agencies and units.

In a vibrant atmosphere, the evening's festivities featured three impressive parts: an artistic performance by male and female actors from various mass organizations within the Corps; an international dance competition and bonfire; and a competition of prescribed military dances. Immediately following the opening remarks, the stirring sounds of the drum performance "The Call of the Homeland" resonated, evoking national pride and reminding everyone of their roots. The highlight of the program was the dance competition and bonfire, attracting a large number of young participants and creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The meticulously choreographed and creatively artistic dances showcased the aspirations, ambitions, optimism, faith, and pride of the engineering soldiers.

Private Do Danh Duc Dung, a soldier in Squad 8, Platoon 3, Company 4 (229th Brigade), enthusiastically shared: “I feel the atmosphere tonight is incredibly vibrant; everyone is sharing the feeling of a festival. The program gives new recruits like me the opportunity to meet, interact, and gradually adapt to the routines of a disciplined, self-aware, and strict military environment. Participating in collective activities helps us become closer to our comrades, build trust, pride, determination, and strive to become outstanding soldiers of the heroic Engineering Corps.”

The dance segment, featuring prescribed routines, created a lively atmosphere.
The singing and dancing performance was enthusiastically received by the audience.

Beyond the vibrant dance performances, the evening also featured poignant cultural acts, helping everyone to deeply appreciate and understand the engineering soldiers who "go first and come last," carrying out extremely unique tasks such as mine clearance, construction of defense structures, building border patrol roads, crossing rivers and streams to build bridges, and rescuing people during natural disasters. These silent, arduous, and dangerous tasks were recreated in the impromptu stage performances by officers and soldiers from various units.

At the end of the program, the entire stadium, which had been buzzing with excitement, fell silent as Captain Pham Van Hieu, from Brigade 229, representing the outstanding young officers of the Engineering Corps, carried the flame of victory from the Brigade's Traditional House and handed it to the Corps commander to light the ceremonial flame. This traditional flame represents the continuation of the historical legacy of the nation, the Army, and the Engineering Corps; it is the light of revolutionary tradition, guiding cadres, union members, and association members today to be more aware of the sacred responsibility and mission of an engineering soldier towards the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the nation.

The evening's program concluded with an impressive display of the words "80 Years of Paving the Way to Victory," performed by 250 new recruits from across the Corps. The resounding applause affirmed the success of the event, while also providing encouragement and fostering a spirit of joy, unity, optimism, and zest for life among officers, members, and affiliates of the Engineering Corps, enabling them to develop their skills, talents, and creativity, and to readily accept and successfully complete all assigned tasks.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/dem-hoi-cua-chien-si-cong-binh-1031424