On Sunday morning, Hue city was still damp after days of flooding. It was just after 4am, although the alarm had not been sounded, all the officers and soldiers were already awake. Taking advantage of the dim light from the security lights, some cleaned the accommodation, others prepared hoes, shovels, and supplies... Everything happened smoothly, without anyone reminding anyone, like a habit that had been deeply ingrained in the soldier's lifestyle.

Just after 4am the cleaning work at the residence had begun.

At exactly 6 o'clock, the working groups quickly boarded their vehicles and split into many directions according to the planned schedule. On the main roads of the city, the basic cleaning work was completed, but in the small alleys and low-lying areas, mud and garbage were still strewn about. On Ung Binh Street, Vi Da Ward, where the water had just receded, leaving behind a thick layer of mud along with a huge amount of garbage... the stench was intense. The officers and soldiers were still persistent and diligent, clearing each section, shovel by shovel, without a single complaint.

It was raining but the work still went on as planned.

In his clothes soaked with sweat mixed with rainwater, Corporal Nguyen Van Thanh, Squad 2, Reconnaissance Platoon, Company 20 shared: “We are tired, but we are happy to help people have clean houses and clear roads soon. We know that wherever people need us, we will be there. Being able to help people makes us feel relieved and proud!”

Working in the rain.

Not far away, at the Thuy Van Ward Martyrs' Cemetery (now Vi Da Ward), near the Nhu Y River, after the water receded, a thick layer of mud remained, up to 20cm thick in some places. Nearly 100 officers and soldiers of Division 968 divided into groups, some scraping mud, some shoveling mud, some transporting mud... Taking advantage of all available tools from paint buckets, wheelbarrows, to hoes, shovels... from soldiers to officers worked diligently, due to the large amount of mud and dirt, the work was not finished until late afternoon.

Ung Binh Street, Vi Da Ward is full of garbage after the flood.

It was expected that the work would take until the end of Sunday, but no one was discouraged. Each tombstone, each row of trees… were carefully cleaned by the soldiers, showing deep gratitude to the heroic martyrs. Each soldier was aware that taking care of the cemetery today also demonstrated the morality of “remembering the source of drinking water”, the responsibility of today’s generation to those who have fallen.

Use any object to transport mud.

Watching the soldiers working in the rain, Mr. Le Van Hoang, living on Bach Dang Street, Phu Xuan Ward, emotionally said: “The soldiers work so hard! Seeing you guys cleaning up and helping so enthusiastically, we are truly grateful. Without you guys, for a few more days, there would still be trash and mud everywhere...”.

Directly commanding the area, Lieutenant Colonel Le Khac Ngoc Anh, Deputy Chief of Politics of Division 968, said: “Helping people is a duty, a sentiment, an order from the heart of a soldier. Here, we have determined that there are no days off. But we always care for and encourage soldiers so that everyone can feel secure, maintain their spirit, ensure their health, and work scientifically to be both effective and safe. The biggest goal is to help people stabilize their lives soon, and restore the landscape and environment soon.”

Take advantage of lunch break to prepare for the next working session.

As the sky gradually darkened, the trucks carrying mud and dirt left the residential area, the roads gradually regained their clean appearance, the Thuy Van martyrs' cemetery was neat and peaceful. The officers and soldiers of Division 968 packed up their equipment and prepared to return to their units. They did not have time to rest, only had time to have a simple dinner, then took the opportunity to check their equipment and prepare for the next working day.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Khac Ngoc Anh, Deputy Chief of Politics of Division 968, encouraged soldiers to work on the day off.

A Sunday of the soldiers ended in exhaustion but full of meaning. No day off, no fun, only the heart of a soldier for the people, for the country. It is from these simple actions that the image of Uncle Ho's soldiers is engraved more deeply in the hearts of the people.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/ngay-nghi-cua-can-bo-chien-si-su-doan-968-noi-ron-lu-997333