At Battalion 1, Regiment 738, the "Mid-Autumn Festival for Soldiers - Full Moon of Love" program welcomed over 250 students from Bodhi Phuong Duy School (Thu Thua commune, Tay Ninh province). The children eagerly participated in the "A Day as a Soldier" experience, witnessing firsthand the life, activities, and training of the soldiers.

Sixth-grade student Do Thi My Tien happily shared: “I feel very happy, and what impressed me most was participating in folk games with the soldiers. Today's program also included the Moon Goddess and the Moon Man interacting with us.”

The soldier introduced the students of Bodhi Phuong Duy School to the internal affairs.
Students from Bodhi Phuong Duy School interacted with soldiers at Battalion 1, Regiment 738.

As dusk fell and the full moon hung high in the sky, the festivities officially began. The lively sounds of lion dance drums and the laughter of children echoed through the barracks grounds, dispelling the weariness of the training days. The cultural performances by officers, soldiers, and students filled the space with warmth and excitement. In that moment, only joy, sharing, and love remained between the soldiers and the children.

Venerable Thich Quang Tam, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Association in Tay Ninh province, emotionally said: “The students of Bodhi Phuong Duy School all come from disadvantaged backgrounds and various regions. The fact that the Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command organized a Mid-Autumn Festival for them is a very valuable gesture, showing concern and sharing, helping them gain more faith and motivation in their studies.”

In the remote border commune of Vinh Hung (Tay Ninh province), the bond between the military and the people was also illuminated by the program "Mid-Autumn Festival in the Border Region - Warmth and Love." For many days, officers and soldiers of the provincial armed forces, along with local youth union members, diligently decorated the stage, made star-shaped lanterns, and organized folk games... All of them hoped to bring the children in the border region a complete and meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival. The radiant smiles and clear eyes during the games spoke of the happiness of the children when they received care and love.

Ms. Nguyen Thi My Nhu, a resident of Vinh Hung commune, emotionally expressed: “This is the first time our locality has had such a large and meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival program. Seeing the children playing and excited, we are extremely grateful and thank the soldiers for bringing such a wonderful celebration to our children.”

Donating bicycles to poor, academically excellent students in Vinh Hung commune.
The Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command, in coordination with philanthropists, presented gifts to students in Vinh Hung commune.

During the program, the Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command, along with benefactors, presented over 1,200 Mid-Autumn Festival gifts, 50 scholarships, and 10 bicycles to disadvantaged students in the Vinh Hung border area. These gifts, though small, contain immense affection and serve as encouragement for the children to overcome difficulties and strive for success in their studies and lives.

Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Khanh, Deputy Political Commissar of the Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command, affirmed: “Through this program, we hope to convey our love to the children, so that they can have a warm and joyful Mid-Autumn Festival. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for the provincial armed forces to work alongside the local Party committee and government in caring for the spiritual lives of children in border areas.”

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival saw the Tay Ninh Provincial Military Command send nearly 5,000 gifts to students throughout the province. These small gifts, though modest, carry profound meaning and contribute to enhancing the image of the Vietnamese people in the hearts of the soldiers. Amidst the radiant moonlight of the border region, the bond between the military and the people is strengthened, for wherever there are soldiers, there is always love, trust, and complete moonlit nights for children.

Text and photos: BIEN CUONG – HOAI NHAN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/mua-trung-thu-lan-toa-yeu-thuong-849423