In 1978, as a member of the Hue Opera and Drama Troupe, musician Nguyen Minh Tien (currently residing in Ho Chi Minh City) joined the military and was assigned to the Binh Tri Thien Provincial Military Arts and Film Team. A renowned player of the zither, he and his teammates participated in numerous festivals and competitions, performing on many stages for soldiers and civilians. Those were years of passionate dedication in his youth, marking a vibrant period of post-war reconstruction and development of his homeland.
In 1982, Mr. Tien left the army, but the memories of the Binh Tri Thien Provincial Military Arts and Film Troupe remained etched in his heart. In particular, his father, artist Nguyen Ai Chung, was one of the first to establish and played a core role in the former Vinh Linh Military Zone Arts Troupe. When he learned of the reunion plan in Dong Hoi, he was very worried, hesitant to attend due to the long distance and his poor health. But encouraged by friends and comrades, and especially with the thought that if he didn't meet now, he might have another chance as many of his colleagues were getting older and weaker, he made up his mind: He had to go, he couldn't miss the opportunity! Overwhelmed with emotion after a reunion after decades and wanting to give a gift to his comrades, musician Minh Tiến composed the song "Reuniting with Beloved Comrades" with profound and moving lyrics: "We return here in the heartfelt love of our beloved comrades/How can we ever tell the story of those days, our hearts still echoing the military anthem/Remembering that day under falling bombs and exploding bullets/Fire and smoke tearing apart the blue sky/Unable to stop the sound of music and singing drowning out the roar of bombs from our brothers and sisters…". The song was rehearsed and performed right at the reunion, moving everyone and filling them with pride.
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| Soldiers playing musical instruments meet up, reminiscing about their vibrant youth - Photo: MN |
“At the reunion, I was deeply moved to meet many comrades I hadn't been in contact with for so long. Handshakes and greetings brought back memories of our youth. The camaraderie and fellowship I feel for them have never diminished. This is a truly meaningful homecoming for me,” shared musician Minh Tiến.
For artist Le Thi My Tinh, Head of the Liaison Committee of the Vinh Linh Military Zone Performing Arts Troupe, the emotions of that reunion remain vivid. Having joined the Vinh Linh Military Zone Performing Arts Troupe in 1973 – during the fierce years of the war against the US – she experienced many life-or-death moments with her comrades, using "singing to drown out the sound of bombs," contributing to a new spirit and fervent enthusiasm on the most brutal battlefields of the war. The members of the Vinh Linh Military Zone Performing Arts Troupe were very eager to meet their comrades in Dong Hoi after many years of separation. Such meaningful reunions are a "golden opportunity" for comrades to reunite after many years, share memories of joy and sorrow, and recall a vibrant youth dedicated to the country.
Artist Bui Thi Minh Ly, a member of the Provincial Military Arts Troupe currently residing in Nghe An, despite her advanced age, could not miss the event. She shared that she joined the troupe in 1966, working through difficult times, and had the honor of traveling to Hanoi and singing for President Ho Chi Minh. At the traditional reunion, she had the opportunity to meet comrades she hadn't been in contact with for many years, and they were deeply moved as they recalled many comrades who are no longer with them. No matter where they are or what they do, the camaraderie among the comrades of the Provincial Military Arts Troupe remains intact and undimmed by the years.
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| The Quang Binh Provincial Military Performing Arts Troupe at that time - Photo: Archival material |
According to Mr. Doan Thi, Head of the Organizing Committee for the traditional reunion, achieving this meaningful "meeting point" for generations of soldier-musicians was the result of the collective efforts of the members and the active and enthusiastic support of several individuals and organizations. The initial idea was simply a meeting to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Provincial Military Command's performing arts troupe, but in the context of the merger, the Vinh Linh Military Command's performing arts troupe also celebrated its 60th anniversary, and the Binh Tri Thien Provincial Military Command's arts and film team had just celebrated its half-century anniversary. Thus, the idea of a gathering and exchange in Dong Hoi between the two generations of soldier-artists was immediately conceived and received enthusiastic support from their comrades.
This is the first reunion of two generations of military musicians in the newly established Quang Tri province. The first generation was born during the resistance war against the US, with the movements "Singing drowns out the sound of bombs," and "Loudspeakers blend with the sound of gunfire," while the second generation emerged after April 30, 1975, with the atmosphere of "building and defending the Fatherland" in the new revolutionary period. Both generations share a common thread on the cultural and artistic front of the armed forces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien Hue.
Established in 1966, the Provincial Military Command's performing arts troupe and the Vinh Linh District Military Command's performing arts troupe have overcome many hardships, bringing songs and music to fierce battlefields, and notably, some artists had the honor of singing for President Ho Chi Minh. Many great names have emerged from this artistic "cradle," such as writer Xuan Duc, and Meritorious Artist Thu Ha... The Binh Tri Thien Provincial Military Command's performing arts and film troupe, established in June 1976, continues the tradition of its predecessors, bringing songs and music to many parts of the homeland, spreading the spirit of enthusiasm and dedication to contributing to national construction. At the meeting, 10 gifts were presented to veterans who are still facing many difficulties in life.
The reunion took place in a deeply moving atmosphere; hugs, kisses, and tears were testaments to the close bond between comrades after years of separation. Many comrades who had lost contact for decades were overwhelmed with emotion upon meeting again. The veterans reminisced about their fallen comrades with immeasurable sorrow. The organizers also meticulously displayed many images from the wartime era to ensure the continuation of these memories, causing many veterans to shed tears upon seeing pictures of their former comrades.
And the impact of that encounter will continue to resonate for a long time.
Mai Nhan
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202512/huyen-thoai-nhung-nguoi-linh-cam-dan-d52172c/
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