Crossing the border, keeping one's loyalty.

In a quiet corner of My Tho City, we met Colonel Bui Van Phuc. The former soldier, his hair now streaked with gray, his skin tanned by the sun and wind, still had a bright gleam in his eyes when we reminded him of his youth. On the porch, he quietly touched his pith helmet – a memento of the arduous and loyal battles in Cambodia.

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

Veteran Bui Van Phuc (far left) meets with his comrades on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country.

In January 1979, he enlisted in the army. After many years of service, in March 1984, he was transferred to Cambodia for international duty, belonging to Military Unit 9903, stationed in Pursat province. Nearly five years spent on the battlefield in Cambodia, he contributed alongside his comrades to fulfilling a noble international mission.

"We are just ordinary soldiers, making a small contribution to the common cause," Mr. Phuc humbly said.

In 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 jungle, news from the rear was scarce. Letters had to wait months, meetings lasted only a few hours before parting ways, but all of this gave the soldiers the strength to persevere.

One of his most vivid memories is from 1985, when, just half a month after getting married, Mr. Phuc returned to the battlefield. Shortly after, his young wife traveled hundreds of kilometers alone, trekking through forests and streams to meet him. “I didn’t think she would dare to go, without a phone, without anyone to guide her, only with love and determination. We met for a few hours and then quietly parted ways,” he recalled emotionally.

That brief reunion was a testament to love and loyalty, motivating him to continue his arduous journey, holding firm to his weapon for a greater cause and a noble ideal.

He confided that life on the battlefield, though lacking in hardship, was not without laughter. After the campaign, the soldiers would grow vegetables, raise livestock, write poetry, organize cultural activities, and provide supplementary education. From the depths of the forest, simple verses were born: "In the morning, I'm a teacher in class / In the afternoon, I'm no longer a teacher but a soldier / At night, when the sky is pitch black / I become a soldier patrolling here and there..."

The lives of volunteer soldiers are simple and honest, yet they shine with a spirit of sacrifice. They fight not only for ideals but also for camaraderie and the hope of returning home in peace.

Veteran Bui Van Phuc (third from the left) with his comrades at a traditional reunion.

Lay down your arms, but don't lay down your ideals.

In 1989, after completing his international mission, Mr. Bui Van Phuc continued his service in the Army until his retirement in 2019. But his journey of serving the Fatherland did not end there. As Vice Chairman of the Veterans Association of Tien Giang province, he still maintains the qualities of a soldier of Uncle Ho in peacetime – exemplary, dedicated, and creative.

“Working with the veterans' association is a continuation of the responsibilities of a soldier,” he shared. He actively participates in training, learns from experience, visits local communities, and maintains close ties with his comrades. At the association's office, he effectively advises and coordinates activities, improving the quality of the “Exemplary Veterans” emulation movement, contributing to the successful organization of emulation congresses at all levels, and creating a ripple effect in the community.

Always learning from and following President Ho Chi Minh's example, Mr. Phuc lives a simple, honest life and resolutely fights against negativity and waste. His persistent contributions have been recognized through two Certificates of Merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Veterans Association in 2025. Mr. Bui Van Phuc shared: "I want to send a message to the younger generation to live with ideals, be responsible, train themselves to mature, and contribute to society."

Colonel Bui Van Phuc's journey is a true portrayal of a loyal revolutionary soldier, fighting not for fame or fortune, but for ideals and for the people. His years in Cambodia forged him into a man of strong character, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. For him and other veterans, memories are not just recollections, but a flame that continues to illuminate the path and inspire today's generation. In peacetime, when the country faces many challenges, these veterans remain soldiers, silently contributing.

Text and photos: THANH HA

* Please visit the Politics section to view 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