Recently, the incident of several male students from Van Lang University watching the military parade on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, using inappropriate and disrespectful words towards war veterans, caused public outrage.
When witnessing the incident, another group of students present there invited two elderly veterans to the row of seats to watch the ceremony. That action of Duong Hoang Dung's group (born in 2006, first-year student majoring in Sociology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City National University) has spread widely like an awakening bell about gratitude, about the morality of drinking water and remembering its source, about the humane behavior of young people in a modern society.
 |
| Duong Hoang Dung took a souvenir photo with a veteran while waiting to watch the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (Photo: Dan Tri). |
"I cannot describe the moment I heard the veteran who participated in the historic Ho Chi Minh campaign exclaim the word "grief". He said: "Luckily you sympathize with me, I came back here after 50 years thinking I would be welcomed, but unexpectedly I was chased away. I feel so miserable!" Hearing those words, my heart felt like it was being squeezed, a sharp pain." Hoang Dung choked.
“When I turned around and saw the two boys yelling at the uncles, I was already in tears. Luckily, we were able to invite the two uncles to sit with us. If we hadn’t invited them that day, I would have definitely regretted it,” Hoang Dung added.
Those seemingly gentle words carry a great weight, the weight of understanding, of emotion before the sometimes harsh reality, that there are people who have devoted their youth amidst the bombs and bullets of war, and now old and weak, can be treated indifferently and disrespectfully in the midst of a sacred ceremony.
In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, amidst the applause, the bustling music and the eyes on the passing troops, Hoang Dung and her group of friends had a small, simple but meaningful action, they reserved seats for the two veterans. There was no need for elaborate formalities, it was not a big deal, but it was the heartfelt respect that made the hearts of the witnesses flutter.
In an era where many traditional values are at risk of being lost due to the fast pace of life and pragmatism, such acts of kindness are a valuable spiritual medicine, especially when coming from the younger generation. It proves that amidst the myriad of information and the busyness of modern life, there are still young people who maintain the “roots” of national morality.
“I know that 10 or 20 years from now, it will be difficult for us to see the soldiers in person coming out of that rain of bombs and bullets, and difficult for us to hear their real-life stories from them again,” the female student said emotionally.
The statement made the listener shed tears. An obvious truth, but sometimes we forget: veterans, a living witness of history, are gradually passing away. Every meeting, every conversation with them is a direct connection to the glorious past. It is not only gratitude but also the awareness of preserving national memory.
Hoang Dung does not stop at work, she has a profound vision of history, of people, and of the way of life. Born many years after the war, she and her generation did not directly witness the rain of bombs and bullets. But it is the sensitivity, gratitude, and humanitarian spirit that she has nurtured that has helped her understand the great value of sacrifice.
“If you love your country, you must remember to love those who have built it. Love those who have passed away and cherish those who are still here.”
Hoang Dung's "heartfelt" words are like a message imbued with humanity sent to all of us, those who are living in peace , enjoying the fruits left by our ancestors. Patriotism cannot be expressed through slogans or superficial actions. Patriotism begins with us recognizing and appreciating each person who has made the Fatherland what it is today, whether it is the martyrs who have fallen into the ground, or the veterans who are walking quietly in everyday life.
Hoang Dung’s story is not just a personal story. It reflects a greater responsibility, which is the responsibility of the younger generation in preserving and promoting the core values of the nation. If during the years of resistance, the previous generation associated patriotism with “cutting the Truong Son range to save the country”, today, patriotism can be expressed by living humanely, responsibly, understanding history, and behaving in a cultured manner.
We cannot change the past, but we can choose how to deal with it. History is not only in textbooks or in museums, but it is alive and present through each person, each story, each look of the old, gray-haired veterans who still ache for their comrades who remained in Truong Son.
The actions of Hoang Dung and her group of friends are proof that today's youth are not indifferent and apathetic as many people fear. On the contrary, if properly inspired and accompanied, they will be the ones who best preserve the flame of national tradition.
The moment when Hoang Dung choked up when she saw the two veterans being treated disrespectfully and the act of inviting them to sit down will quietly go down in the memory of that important holiday as a quiet but profound highlight. It reminds us that: It is not necessary to do anything great to be patriotic. Sometimes, just being grateful, behaving morally, and being kind to each other is enough.
The country is not only built by blood and bones, but also by the continuation of respect and good deeds from today's generation. As Hoang Dung said: "If you love your country, love those who have built the country." And that reminder will echo forever.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/nam-sinh-van-lang-vo-le-nu-sinh-nhan-van-bat-khoc-nhuong-cho-hai-cuu-chien-binh-385870.html
Comment (0)