I will always remember his advice.
In the spring of 1966, as the resistance war against the US entered its most intense phase, the task of ensuring the river crossing for combat forces and equipment was of paramount importance. At that time, Regiment 239 - the predecessor of Brigade 239 today - was assigned the task of practicing building a pontoon bridge across the Red River at Me So ferry terminal, to facilitate the movement of missiles, anti-aircraft artillery, and combat forces.
In just 90 minutes, the 560-meter-long bridge connected the two banks of the Red River. The work of driving stakes and stretching the railings was finished when a commotion erupted, and everyone ran back to the bridgehead, shouting: "Uncle Ho has arrived! Uncle Ho has arrived!" It was a great honor for the Regiment. The soldiers, moved, cheered and followed Uncle Ho to the middle of the bridge. He said: "Don't make noise; we must maintain utmost secrecy."
The President meticulously inquired about the number of people and the time required to build the bridge. Then, he encouraged and praised the unit's achievements and instructed them: "Your task is very arduous, but very glorious. You need to strive harder, do even better; each day, work a little faster, three minutes, five minutes, gradually shortening the time, the shorter the better. You will become increasingly skilled at building bridges; doing so, we will quickly defeat the invading American enemy."
Sixty years have passed, but Uncle Ho's words of advice from back then remain as valuable as ever, becoming a great source of spiritual motivation for generations of officers and soldiers of Brigade 239 today to continue striving, training, and excellently fulfilling all assigned tasks.
Today, at the memorial monument by the Me So wharf, fragrant incense sticks are still respectfully offered by officers and soldiers every time they return to their roots. This is not simply a ritual of gratitude, but also a spiritual encounter between today's generations and the glorious traditions of their forefathers.
Amidst the silent procession offering incense in remembrance, many young officers were moved as they heard the story of the past. They understood that behind the pontoon bridge connecting the two banks lay the courage, intelligence, and absolute loyalty to the Fatherland of the Vietnamese engineering soldiers.
Transform pride into motivation for action.
Over 60 years have passed, yet President Ho Chi Minh's teachings remain present in every training exercise, every emulation movement, and in the unwavering determination of the officers and soldiers of Brigade 239 to overcome difficulties.
In recent years, the unit has continuously innovated its training content and methods, focusing on "fundamental, practical, and solid" approaches that closely match the requirements of actual missions. Plans for river crossing, troop movement, and handling complex situations are regularly practiced with high intensity. Regardless of weather conditions, the combat engineers persevere in their training to master equipment, enhance mobility, and maintain combat readiness.
Not only do the unit's officers and soldiers excel in their training, but they also actively participate in disaster relief, rescue operations, and helping people stabilize their lives whenever floods occur. In the most difficult and treacherous areas, the image of engineering soldiers braving raging waters, building bridges, and opening roads always leaves a beautiful impression on the people.
What is most valuable is that the spirit of learning from and following Uncle Ho's teachings has become a lasting cultural trait throughout the unit. From leading officers to young soldiers, everyone considers cultivating political fortitude, a sense of responsibility, and the will to overcome difficulties as an inherent requirement of a revolutionary soldier.
Colonel Pham Van Huynh, Commander of Brigade 239, once affirmed that every officer and soldier of the unit always carries within them a deep sense of pride and gratitude towards beloved President Ho Chi Minh; thereby transforming that sacred feeling into motivation to successfully complete tasks and build a strong, comprehensive, "exemplary and outstanding" unit.
That spirit has been concretized through many outstanding results. The brigade has consistently achieved the title of "Unit of Victory," receiving commendations and awards from various levels in numerous emulation movements and major missions. But for the engineering soldiers here, the greatest reward remains the worthy continuation of the heroic tradition of the Song Thao Engineering Regiment of the past.
In today's fast-paced world, as the country enters a new phase of development with intertwined opportunities and challenges, Uncle Ho's words at Me So Wharf remain highly relevant. They serve as a reminder of the spirit of responsibility, the will for innovation, the aspiration to excel, and the determination to fulfill our duties under all circumstances.
The Red River still flows, heavy with red silt, a witness to history. And along that river, the engineering soldiers of Brigade 239 are continuing to write the epic of loyalty, of the will to overcome difficulties, and of unwavering faith in the Party, the Fatherland, and the people.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khac-ghi-loi-bac-ben-dong-song-lich-su-750604.html
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