A new journey from the paths already opened.

Today's youth stand before a vast world filled with countless opportunities but also significant changes; therefore, they must keep the flame of enthusiasm burning in their hearts. This flame will guide them on their new journey – a journey of knowledge, creativity, and the aspiration to build a better nation.

• Youth must be the lifeblood of society in the Party's comprehensive reform process.
• Today's youth - Continuing the tradition, building the future.
• YOUTH AND THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY
• Youth begins with a life ideal.

There are roads we travel today, straight and smooth, but few remember that they were once opened with the sweat, tears, and even blood of a generation of young people who sacrificed their youth. In the memories of former Youth Volunteers, youth was not associated with easy choices but with decisions to dedicate oneself when the Fatherland called.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Vang (born in 1950, Song Doc commune), a former Youth Volunteer who fought and contributed on Route 1C, shared: “Our twenties were filled with hardship and sacrifice. Despite this, we always maintained our ideals and unwavering stance. When far from our families, we lived with the community, participated in Youth Union activities, and contributed our small part to the cause of national liberation.”

Days spent clearing paths deep in the jungle, sleepless nights filling bomb craters, moments standing on the fragile boundary between life and death... all of these were not only tests of physical strength but also trials of faith - faith in a peaceful tomorrow, in a country built by the hands of ordinary people.

Former Youth Volunteer Corps member Nguyen Ngoc Vang reminisces about the past with Quach Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Association of Former Youth Volunteer Corps members of Song Doc commune.

The generation of former Youth Volunteers like Nguyen Ngoc Vang lived in an era where ideals were the guiding principles. They left not to seek fame, but to preserve the most sacred things: independence and freedom. It was in those hardships that they understood that the value of youth lies not in how long one lives, but in how one lives.

Today, as the country enters a period of development, former Youth Volunteers look at the younger generation with a mixture of hope and concern. They see in young people dynamism, creativity, the ability to integrate and access global knowledge; but they also recognize a gap: when life ideals are sometimes overshadowed by short-term values, when perseverance is easily replaced by a "quick, easy, and convenient" mentality.

Former Youth Volunteer Corps member Le Anh Xuan (Hamlet 7, Song Doc Commune) shared: “I hope that future generations will always remember President Ho Chi Minh's teaching: 'Nothing is difficult, only the lack of perseverance is to be feared,' so that they will have the spirit to overcome all difficulties in life; help their comrades; live beautifully and usefully; and actively contribute their youthful energy to their homeland and country, just like our generation did before.”

Former Youth Volunteer Corps member Le Anh Xuan hopes that today's young generation will live beautiful, useful lives and actively contribute their strength to their homeland and country.

These heartfelt words serve as a reminder of the thread connecting the past and the present: the spirit of dedication. If in the past, dedication meant wielding hoes and shovels to clear paths amidst bombs and bullets, and bravely fighting to defend the country, today it means serious study, diligent work, continuous innovation, and taking responsibility for one's choices. The former Youth Volunteers don't wish for the younger generation to experience hardship, but rather hope they understand the value of perseverance. Because all lasting achievements require time, and every great path begins with small but determined steps.

Sharing the same sentiment, Mr. Quach Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Association of Former Youth Volunteers of Song Doc Commune, said: “In the past, when we went to build roads, we didn't know what lay ahead, but we still believed we would get there. Our generation dedicated and sacrificed ourselves to regain independence and freedom for the nation. Now, we only hope that the younger generation will continue to develop, strive to overcome difficulties, and contribute to building a more prosperous and beautiful homeland and country.”

Times have changed, and naturally, the way patriotism is expressed has also changed, but ultimately, the spirit remains unchanged: it is about commitment, a sense of responsibility, and the desire to contribute to making the country better. This is not found in grandiose words, but is demonstrated through small actions every day.

Former Youth Volunteer Corps member Do Hoang Tai (Be Moi hamlet, Song Doc commune) is striving to develop the economy to create a prosperous life and contribute to building a beautiful and wealthy homeland.

The heartfelt words of the former Youth Volunteers are not just stories of the past, but also a flame passed on. That flame doesn't burn brightly with glory, but smolders persistently – just like the way they lived. And one day, looking back, today's youth can proudly say that their youth did not pass in vain; that they continued the old paths – not with footsteps amidst bombs and bullets, but with intellect, courage, and hearts that knew how to live for the good of the world.

Lam Khanh - Tien Luan

Source: https://baocamau.vn/hanh-trinh-moi-tu-nhung-con-duong-da-mo-a127332.html