Memories of Vietnam from a Lao friend

Returning to Vietnam to attend the 80th National Day Celebration at the invitation of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, Major General Somphone Keomixay, former President of the Lao National Veterans Association, brought with him unforgettable memories: the time he met Uncle Ho in Thai Nguyen, the protection of the people of Hanoi amid bombs and bullets, and the trust he placed in the young generation of Vietnam and Laos today.

Late in the afternoon of August 31, we met Major General Somphone Keomixay at the hotel, right after he boarded a flight to Hanoi . At the age of 89, the long journey was difficult, but he still maintained his warm and generous demeanor, ready to share his deep memories of Vietnam - the place he considers his second homeland.

Joining the revolution from the age of 14-15, his whole life was devoted to the military, but every time he mentioned the time he studied in Vietnam and met President Ho Chi Minh , Major General Somphone's eyes lit up with emotion.

Major General Somphone Keomixay, former President of the Lao National Veterans Association. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

He said: in the years 1957-1960, he studied culture in Thai Nguyen ; then studied at Son Tay Military School, then Nguyen Ai Quoc School... Those years became valuable luggage, following him until he returned to Laos to work, then held the position of Vice President, then President of the Lao National Veterans Association.

In his memory, there are two memories that never fade.

The first memory was the time I met Uncle Ho in 1959, when he visited the cultural school in Thai Nguyen. He said: "That day, we gathered early, everyone was waiting at the gate, but Uncle Ho came by boat from Cau River to the back. What a surprise! Uncle Ho asked: "Do you miss your country, miss your parents?". We were silent for fear of giving the wrong answer. Only when a Mong student said loudly: "We miss our country and miss our parents", Uncle Ho nodded and praised: "That's right! It's not okay not to miss our country, because our country is where we were born and raised. Our parents are the ones who gave birth to us and raised us to become the person we are, so we must remember them!".

Then Uncle told us to study and practice to become cadres to build the country. To teachers, Uncle told us to teach well so that students can be good and excellent. To schools, Uncle told us to take care of and manage them carefully. Finally, Uncle said: "Wish you all good health! I'm going home!" and then got on the boat and left."

According to Major General Somphone, when studying in Thai Nguyen, there were many mothers around the school taking care of Lao students. Many students did not know much of the language and did not understand everything, but the mothers always enthusiastically helped, explained, and guided them. "This also shows the tradition of solidarity between the two neighboring countries of Laos and Vietnam, always helping each other," he said.

The second memory took place in Hanoi in 1972, when the US bombed the North. "That afternoon, as soon as school was over, the alarm sounded. The Vietnamese people and soldiers ran into the shelter with us. But what touched me was that they let us go in first, and then they went in later. If the plane had hit, the Vietnamese would have been in more danger. I will always remember that protection, it was the love between the two peoples," he said.

From those memories, Major General Somphone advised the young generation of Laos: they must study and train well to continue the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, while preserving the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos. He said that many Lao students are currently studying with Vietnamese students at universities, eating together, studying together, and exchanging experiences. "Young people are the right arm of the Party. You must be of one mind, study well together, to become cadres to protect and build the country," he said.

As the leader of the Lao National Veterans Association, Major General Somphone learned a lot from the Vietnam Veterans Association. "Without Vietnam's experience sharing, it would be difficult for us to build a strong organization like today. It was Vietnam that helped us shape it, so that Lao veterans had a place to live, had a voice and were cared for after the war," he emphasized.

On his subsequent returns to Vietnam, he noticed a clear change: “Every time I go, I see a difference. People’s lives, roads, and houses are springing up like mushrooms. This time, I see even more how fast Vietnam is developing!”

Looking at the streets of Hanoi, brilliant with flags and flowers in the atmosphere of the 80th anniversary of National Day, he said: "I thank the Party, State, people and soldiers of Vietnam for inviting us to attend this important ceremony. The 80th anniversary of National Day, Vietnam organized very solemnly. In Laos, I also watched on TV, saw the bustling exercises and movements. Coming here to witness it in person, I am even more proud of the loyal friendship between the two nations."

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ky-uc-viet-nam-cua-nguoi-ban-lao-215981.html