Memories linger on.

Former Provincial Party Secretary Vo Thanh Hao and the author. Photo: T. Tran

A lovely memory.

Throughout their relationship with Dong Khoi Newspaper, many contributors have had unforgettable experiences. Thus, from his youth to his time as Provincial Party Secretary, Mr. Vo Thanh Hao has been a significant contributor to Dong Khoi Newspaper for many decades.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025), Mr. Vo Thanh Hao recounted: "June 21st brings back unforgettable memories of my time with the staff of Dong Khoi Newspaper during my time in the military. Back then, I was a contributor to Dong Khoi Newspaper like many others, but I was treated better because I was stationed on the northern border. Mr. Nam Thong, Mr. Sau Dung, journalist Bich Thuy, journalist Thanh Sanh, and especially Mr. Nguyen Minh and Ms. Mai Hoa always showed me attentive care like family whenever I came home on leave."

I remember the first time we met, Nguyen Minh asked me: What do you crave when you're out there? I said: Boiled snails!

So he took me down to the Ben Tre riverbank, where there was an open-air stall selling snails. He treated me to boiled snails with lemongrass and… rice wine! I drank two glasses and went back to the editorial office that night, throwing up all three snails! Ms. Mai Hoa diligently cleaned up. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Minh sat puffing on his pipe, laughing dryly. Oh! What a beautiful time!

The press is a place to express emotions.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day, we met with Mr. Tran Cong Ngu (Vu Hoang) - former Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and Chairman of the Provincial Association for the Support of Poor Patients - to hear him share his thoughts about the years he contributed articles to Dong Khoi Newspaper. Mr. Tran Cong Ngu recounted: "I have a deep connection with Dong Khoi Newspaper (formerly Chien Thang Newspaper). It was a channel that accurately reflected the local situation, the revolutionary movement, and the process of rebuilding the homeland after liberation. I didn't receive formal training in journalism, but with faith, emotion, and love for my homeland, I submitted many articles, especially on major holidays such as Ben Tre Dong Khoi Day (January 17th), Nguyen Dinh Chieu's birthday (July 1st), and the Liberation Day of the South (April 30th)... For me, journalism is a place to express feelings and gratitude for my homeland and national history."

Mr. Tran Cong Ngu (Vu Hoang) - former Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Chairman of the Provincial Association for the Support of Poor Patients. Photo: T. Tran

Recalling his revolutionary years in the province, Mr. Tran Cong Ngu shared his thoughts on the role of journalists during wartime. He described wartime journalists as soldiers, always ready to face hardship and danger. They not only wrote but also lived on the battlefield, sometimes facing the same peril as real combatants. Strong ethics and ideology were essential for survival for journalists at that time. Regarding the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), Mr. Tran Cong Ngu believes that a solemn celebration is necessary and worthwhile, not only to honor history but also to inspire national spirit and guide the country towards building a prosperous and peaceful future.

Even now, despite his advanced age, Mr. Tran Cong Ngu still follows the news through Dong Khoi Newspaper, the Internet, etc., and always hopes to contribute with his knowledge, emotions, and whatever else he can.

Press releases attract readers.

Journalist Bui Kim Lien is a professional writer. Her journalistic career is closely linked to her time working at Ben Tre Radio and Television Station. She has many colleagues from Dong Khoi Newspaper, both during her time there and after her retirement. “We often shared information when working, especially regarding major events in the province. Ben Tre Radio and Television Station regularly selected excellent articles from Dong Khoi Newspaper to broadcast. We have many memories from our decades of working together, supporting each other in journalism, and cherishing each other as friends,” Bui Kim Lien recalled.

Journalist Bui Kim Lien. Photo: Contributor.

In 2019, Bui Kim Lien won first prize in the "Land and People of Ben Tre Today" competition organized by Dong Khoi Newspaper. The competition brought her deep emotions. According to her, this award affirmed the role of journalistic essays in reflecting the pulse of life and inspired new creative works from readers.

In a heartfelt message to Dong Khoi Newspaper, journalist Bui Kim Lien stated: "Journalistic essays will always be a genre that attracts readers' attention - after browsing the news page of Dong Khoi Newspaper, people will immediately open the inside page or link to a familiar section to find something more to share with them!"

Journalist Bui Kim Lien shared that the Editorial Board of Dong Khoi Newspaper has had many groundbreaking ideas, focusing all its efforts on major events or the spring issue. Many excellent feature articles, essays, short stories, etc., by renowned authors from within and outside the province have contributed to enhancing and elevating the newspaper's stature. In addition, the modern and open layout has made the newspaper elegant and attractive.

There are many more loyal contributors to Dong Khoi Newspaper, but we cannot record and share their stories in the newspaper. A century of journalism has passed, and many beautiful images of Ben Tre journalists remain etched in the hearts of contributors and readers to this day. This is truly precious and heartwarming.

Thạch Thảo

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/ky-uc-con-dong-mai-17062025-a148288.html