A time in military uniform

Returning to civilian life, veterans have made significant contributions in various fields. Their influence is particularly profound in literature and art. These artists, once soldiers, not only uphold and promote the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" but also create many valuable works of literature and art.

An unforgettable journey of memories

Poet Nguyen Ngoc Chan (Au Lau ward) is one of the artists who participated in the resistance war against the US to save the country. This veteran fought in fierce battlefields such as Dong Loc, Truong Bon, the battlefields of Laos and Cambodia.

The ferocity of war, something that today's generation, born in peacetime , can hardly imagine, was recreated by him in his memoirs: “The enemy discovered that the liberation army had tanks, so they concentrated their firepower, raining bullets down on Cửa Mở. The enemy's M72 anti-tank guns aimed at our tanks, firing relentlessly, the shells exploding and burning the turrets. In the air, enemy planes frantically fired rockets and dropped bombs in an attempt to halt the advance of the tanks and infantry.” (Lộc Ninh - 1972)

baolaocai-br_z7296232238305-5b34f52e3d8b8c17a260eb185393b773.jpg — Some poems by the poet Nguyen Ngoc Chan.

Having experienced the flames of war, poet Ngoc Chan understands better than anyone the value of today's peace, which was bought with the blood of fallen comrades. Readers are moved to silence when they read his lines about the sacrifice of the soldiers: “At that moment, a bomb suddenly exploded next to the vehicle. The infantry battalion commander, who was standing at the vehicle's door, fell. Overwhelmed by grief and anger, his comrades helped him down to the floor of the vehicle, then continued to charge into the battle.” (Liberating Phuoc Long – Beginning of the Campaign)

Poet Ngoc Chan directly participated in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, witnessing the images, sounds, and overwhelming emotions on the day of complete victory, April 30, 1975. “Standing on the tank turret, looking at Saigon, resplendent with flags, the red of flamboyant flowers under a sky of green military uniforms. A sea of people, tears of boundless joy, bewilderedly searching for each other, swaying, dazed in the endless sky… The country was beautiful like a dream, the land united, we tank soldiers had returned home alive on this joyous day of reunification (The Road to the City) ” – those were unforgettable moments.

Poet Ngoc Chan at a meeting with veteran artists and writers.

Later, as a journalist, traveling extensively and writing about people in various positions, poet Ngoc Chan continued to create many works about soldiers. "Epilogue of a Soldier" is his first poetry collection, a tribute to his comrades – those who shared hardships and sacrifices with him on the battlefield. It also reflects the heartfelt sentiments of a soldier who experienced war, writing about his comrades and their families in poignant and profound verses.

The night shattered into pieces.

Share a little of the fire with us to guide us.

And so it went.

We and Fire

The roar of artillery fire during the rainy season.

…The land of the Eastern region is stained red with the bunkers.

Red shirt with earthy tones

Tears fell along the Cat Wharf road.

Mother and sister

Let's share some of the burdens.

(The Soldier's Epilogue)

In six volumes encompassing various works from prose to poetry, and with over 20 years dedicated to journalism, poet Nguyen Ngoc Chan has used his pen to express his feelings for his comrades, while also conveying his deep love for his homeland and country.

The military has always been a great school.

Artist Nguyen Dinh Thi ( Yen Bai ward) spent five years serving in the military. Those years of training ignited his passion for art. Back then, while on duty, the young soldier Nguyen Dinh Thi always carried a small notebook and pencil to sketch soldiers at outposts, elderly people in villages, and the beautiful scenery of the border region where he was stationed.

Artist Nguyen Dinh Thi on a field trip for creative work.

Iron discipline is the strength of the army and also the best school for young people. It leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those who have worn the military uniform. Therefore, although he has painted many different subjects, artist Nguyen Dinh Thi still devotes his heart and soul to the image of the soldier.

In his propaganda paintings on the theme of studying and following Ho Chi Minh's ethics, artist Nguyen Dinh Thi also associates them with the image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers." His field trips to military units always provide him with much creative inspiration. "I was fortunate to visit Truong Sa. The soldiers there guard every inch of our homeland day and night, protecting the sovereignty of the Fatherland. I also met sons of Lao Cai province who are performing their sacred duty in that remote place, and I incorporated those experiences into my artworks," shared artist Nguyen Dinh Thi.

Artist Nguyen Dinh Thi during his trip to Truong Sa.

Having served in the military for over three years, those years instilled discipline in photographer Pham Pa Ri (from Gia Hoi commune). His entry into art was a matter of fate; while teaching at Nam Bung Secondary and High School, initially, Mr. Pa Ri only documented school activities and collaborated with the former Yen Bai Newspaper.

Learning from seasoned photographers and senior artists along the way, Pa Ri gradually matured. Living in a region considered a "gold mine" for photography, outside of class hours, this passionate art teacher would prepare his camera and set off to hunt for beautiful moments of life.

Photographer Pham Pa Ri (far left) during a field trip.

Having pursued the "art of light" for over 20 years, artist Pham Pa Ri has many memorable experiences. "Once, I visited Cu Vai village in Hanh Phuc commune – a place where the weather is usually gloomy for long periods – but that very afternoon the sun shone brightly. I saw it as a good omen. On my way down the mountain searching for other scenic spots, I came across a beautiful peach blossom branch and farmers preparing the land for the new planting season. I immediately captured that moment," artist Pa Ri recalled.

From that moment, the work "Spring on the Mountain" was born and earned artist Pham Pa Ri a Silver Medal at the 11th International Art Photography Competition held in Vietnam in 2021, in the Travel photography category.

While veteran entrepreneurs create numerous material products and jobs for society, artists who once served in the military quietly contribute to life through their works of art. Although they create in different fields, their common thread is their pride in having been soldiers of Uncle Ho and their dedication to their passions.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/mot-thoi-ao-linh-post888349.html