Across the border, keep your heart pure

In a small peaceful corner of My Tho City, we met Colonel Bui Van Phuc. The former soldier, his hair was streaked with silver, his skin was tanned by the sun and wind, but his eyes still lit up when we recalled memories of his youth. On the porch, he quietly touched his pith helmet - a souvenir associated with the arduous and affectionate Cambodian battlefield.

Born in Tien Giang - a land rich in revolutionary tradition, Mr. Phuc was imbued with patriotism from a young age. On the day of the liberation of the South, the joy of his homeland aroused in the young student the desire to contribute.

Veteran Bui Van Phuc (far left) meets with his comrades on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day.

In January 1979, he enlisted in the army. After many years of service, in March 1984, he was transferred to perform international duties in Cambodia, belonging to Military Group 9903, stationed in Pursat province. After nearly 5 years on the battlefield of his country, he contributed with his comrades to carry out the noble international mission.

“We are just ordinary soldiers, contributing a small part to the common cause,” Mr. Phuc said modestly.

On the Cambodian battlefield, Vietnamese soldiers not only fought but also helped the people revive and rebuild their lives. They were soldiers, teachers and friends. In the deep jungles and poisonous waters, news from the rear was very rare. Letters had to be waited for months, meetings lasted only a few hours and then parted, but all of them gave the soldiers the strength to persevere.

One of his most vivid memories was in 1985, when he had just been married for half a month, Mr. Phuc returned to the battlefield. Shortly after, his young wife traveled hundreds of kilometers alone, through forests and streams to meet her husband. “I didn’t think she would dare to go, no phone, no one to guide her, only love and determination. We met for a few hours and then quietly parted ways,” he recalled emotionally.

That brief reunion demonstrated love and loyalty, and was the motivation for him to continue his arduous journey, holding his gun steady for a great cause and a noble ideal.

He confided that although life on the battlefield was deprived, it was not without laughter. After the campaign, the brothers grew vegetables, raised livestock, wrote poems, organized art performances, and supplemented their education. From the deep forest, simple verses were born: "In the morning, I went to class to be a teacher/ In the afternoon, I left the class and became a soldier/ At night, the sky was dark as pitch/ I became a soldier patrolling here and there...".

The life of a volunteer soldier is simple and honest, but shines with the spirit of sacrifice. They fight not only for their ideals but also for their comradeship, for the wish of returning home in peace.

Veteran Bui Van Phuc (third from left) and his comrades at the traditional meeting.

Put down your guns, not your ideals

In 1989, after completing his international mission, Mr. Bui Van Phuc continued to work in the Army until his retirement in 2019. But his journey of serving the Fatherland did not stop there. As Vice President of the Association of War Veterans of Tien Giang Province, he still maintained the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in peacetime - exemplary, dedicated, and creative.

“The Association’s work is a journey to continue the responsibility of a soldier,” he shared. He actively participated in training, learned from experience, went to the base, and bonded with his teammates. At the Association, he advised and effectively coordinated activities, improved the quality of the “Exemplary Veterans” emulation movement, contributed to the successful organization of emulation congresses at all levels, and created a ripple effect in the community.

Always studying and following Uncle Ho, Mr. Phuc lives simply, honestly, and resolutely fights against negativity and waste. His lasting contributions have been recognized through 2 Certificates of Merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Veterans Association in 2025. Mr. Bui Van Phuc confided: "I want to tell the younger generation to live with ideals, be responsible, practice to mature, and contribute to society."

Colonel Bui Van Phuc's journey is a true slice of a loyal revolutionary soldier who fought not for fame or profit but for ideals and for the people. The years in Cambodia have forged a brave, kind, and loyal man. For him and other veterans, memories are not just reminiscences but a flame that continues to light the way and inspire today's generation. In peacetime, when the country faces many challenges, war veterans are still soldiers, silently contributing.

Article and photos: THANH HA

* Please visit the Politics section to see related news and articles.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/ky-uc-khong-chi-la-hoi-tuong-832100