Two special Vietnamese and French veterans at the welcoming ceremony for President Macron at the Presidential Palace

On May 26, at the Presidential Palace,President Luong Cuong chaired a solemn welcoming ceremony for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, who are visiting Vietnam.

Attending the welcoming ceremony, in addition to the high-ranking delegations of the two countries, there were also two special guests - Vietnamese and French veterans.

President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron with two veterans Pham Minh Nghia and William Schilardi. Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA

Two veterans on two fronts hold hands tightly

Colonel, veteran Pham Minh Nghia (90 years old), former operations assistant of the 308th Division (Pioneer Corps, now the 308th Infantry Division, 12th Corps).

On the French side is veteran William Schilardi (91 years old), who fought in Dien Bien Phu, in the 8th Paratroopers' Marksmanship Battalion.

Under the shadow of the Vietnamese and French flags, two elderly veterans with canes - who had been on opposite sides of the battle lines decades ago at Dien Bien Phu - met and held hands like friends at the Presidential Palace. That image left a strong impression on the officials and delegates attending the welcoming ceremony.

Having been to the Presidential Palace many times, for Mr. Pham Minh Nghia, this is a special day.

"I have participated in 3 wars, my surviving comrades can be counted on the fingers of one hand and most of them are too old to walk. I especially thank the Party and State for inviting me - representing the veterans - to attend this solemn welcoming ceremony.

"Having the opportunity to meet President Luong Cuong and the French President and witness the development of the relationship between the two countries as it is today, I feel very honored. The ceremony was very solemn and respectful," Mr. Nghia said with tears in his eyes when talking about the invitation to attend the welcoming ceremony.

Mr. Nghia had tears in his eyes when talking about the welcoming ceremony and meeting at the Presidential Palace.

In a worn military uniform, his chest covered with medals, veteran Pham Minh Nghia stood leisurely in the ranks of delegates attending the welcoming ceremony.

"Suddenly, an old French man walked up and looked at me for a long time. I took the initiative to shake his hand. He held my hand very tightly. He looked at me with emotion. He kept holding my hand. Later, I learned that he was a veteran who fought in Dien Bien Phu," said Mr. Nghia.

The Vietnam - France "fate" overcomes the ups and downs of history

In 1949, when he was only 14 years old, young Pham Minh Nghia worked as a liaison for the Bach Dang Battalion in Quang Yen ( Quang Ninh ). In early 1954, he was assigned to the 308th Division to participate in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign as a combat assistant.

For Mr. William Schilardi, the war "awakened" him, making him understand the value of life. Until now, he still often remembers the moment of his release, about 4 months after the end of the Dien Bien Phu battle. It was the most peaceful, gentle, and happiest moment of his life.

The Dien Bien Phu campaign became a major turning point in history, leaving deep scars in the memories of French veterans about a dark period in their lives.

For his part, through following the press, Mr. Nghia expressed his joy that the relationship between Vietnam and France has developed remarkably, especially when in 2024, during General Secretary To Lam's visit to France, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He expressed his impression that the close relationship between Vietnam and France is the result of a journey of joint efforts to work, maintain and connect in all fields, at all levels between the two sides, from central and local agencies.

"In the past, the two countries were enemies, but now they are trustworthy and sincere partners. But I want to make it clear: put the past behind us to cooperate and develop together, but we must not forget the past," Mr. Nghia said.

As President of the French Association of Dien Bien Phu Veterans, Mr. Schilardi accompanied Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on his visit to Vietnam in November 2018. He has visited Dien Bien Phu four times. Despite his advanced age, last year he and a number of other veterans went to Dien Bien to attend the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu.

Veteran William Schilardi and two French veterans visited the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum in May 2024. Photo: Minh Nhat

The Vietnam-France relationship has overcome the ups and downs of history, moving towards the future, becoming increasingly better, trustworthy and close, becoming important friends and comprehensive strategic partners of each other.

Veterans like Mr. Nghia and Mr. Schilardi continue to tell their stories in the hope of giving advice to future generations about the horrors of war, and to show the importance of preserving peace at all costs.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hai-cuu-binh-viet-phap-dac-biet-trong-le-don-tong-thong-macron-o-phu-chu-tich-2404995.html