Continuing the patriotic tradition of our homeland.

Born in 1930 in the historically patriotic land of Hoa Vang, now part of Hoa Xuan ward, Da Nang city, Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh grew up during a time when the country was under foreign invasion, instilling in him a patriotic spirit from a very young age.

At the age of 18, Ngo Tan Vinh left his thatched house to join the resistance against French colonialism. Two years later, at the age of 20, Ngo Tan Vinh was admitted into the ranks of the Communist Party of Vietnam - a milestone that he always considered the greatest honor of his life.

From then on, his life became intertwined with the military and the battlefield. He served in many different units, was one of the first paratroopers, joined the elite special forces, and fought on many fierce fronts, from Central to Southern Vietnam. In the memories of his comrades, Mr. Vinh was a brave and disciplined man, always putting the mission and the safety of his fellow soldiers above all else. In 1965, his unit achieved a victory by shooting down an American plane, and was commended by the Central Committee.

Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh (wearing a red ao dai) and his wife, along with Comrade Le Kim Binh, Secretary of the Party Branch (standing on the left), and Mr. Vu Van Doan, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Bau Cau village (standing on the right), at the 2025 celebration of Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh's 80th birthday.

What many people admire about Mr. Vinh is not only his achievements, but also his lifelong strong camaraderie. After the war, even though they were all in different places, he still kept in touch, inquiring about the families of his fallen comrades and finding ways to help their children and grandchildren whenever possible.

In his family home in Bau Cau village, many of his medals, awards, and certificates are proudly displayed. But he often jokingly tells his children and grandchildren, "These are to remember how we lived and fought together, not to show off."

Whenever he recounted old stories, he didn't dwell much on the dangers he had faced, but rather spoke more of his comrades who had perished on the battlefield. For him, war memories weren't tinged with melancholy, but rather imbued with gratitude and responsibility—the responsibility to live in a way that was worthy of those who never returned.

Some of Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh's achievements during the resistance war.

An exemplary party member, wholeheartedly serving the people.

In 1979, Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh retired with the rank of Major. Returning to his hometown, he began a new front – the front of building cultural life and maintaining unity at the grassroots level. He was the Party Secretary of Bau Cau village, and had held positions such as Village Head, Head of the Veterans' Association, and Head of the Senior Citizens' Association… In every position, he worked with the highest sense of responsibility, dedication, impartiality, and integrity.

Decades have passed, but even today, the villagers still remember the image of Mr. Vinh cycling to Party branch meetings and mobilizing villagers to participate in community activities, rain or shine. Whenever there was a community matter, he was always there early and returned late. When there were neighborhood conflicts, he patiently listened, analyzed the situation, and ensured that everyone prioritized "community spirit and neighborly love." Because of this, Mr. Vinh was highly respected and admired by the villagers of Bau Cau hamlet, Hoa Xuan ward. They often referred to him simply as "The old soldier of the village."

For Mr. Vinh, being a village official wasn't about "standing above" the people, but about being among them. He knew which families were struggling. He visited those who were sick. During the years of economic hardship, he and the Party branch mobilized well-off families and philanthropists to help poor households repair their houses and provide support during lean seasons.

He often said, "If a Party member doesn't love the people and doesn't care for them, no one will believe anything they say." It was this way of life that gave his words natural weight, without needing to raise his voice or use slogans. Many young people in the village said that they learned from him not from long lectures, but from his way of working: slowly, surely, and always thinking of the collective before themselves.

Comrade Vu Van Doan, Head of the Veterans Association Branch in Bau Cau village, visits and presents gifts to Mr. Vinh (on the left) at the beginning of 2026.

Preserving family traditions and values.

Not only was Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh an exemplary Party member in society, but he was also a spiritual pillar in his family and clan. He always taught his children and grandchildren to live honestly, filial piety, respect discipline, love labor, and be attached to their homeland. His family lived harmoniously, strictly adhering to policies and laws, and actively participating in local movements and charitable activities, showing gratitude and repaying kindness.

Within the family, he was the person his descendants turned to when they needed advice. He didn't impose his will, but gently reminded them: "Live your life in such a way that when you look back later, you won't feel ashamed before your ancestors and your village..."

This year, at the age of 96, Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh still maintains a moderate lifestyle. Every morning, he tends to his small garden in front of his house, considering it a way to exercise his body and keep his mind at ease. Every day, he reads the newspaper to keep up with current events, national and international politics, especially activities leading up to the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. What is admirable is that he doesn't seem to be "a man of the past." On the contrary, he always cares about the younger generation and the future of his homeland. He believes that only when the younger generation understands the value of peace and unity will the sacrifices of the past truly have meaning.

Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh (wearing a red ao dai) and his wife, along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, at the celebration of his 95th birthday (in 2025).

In the midst of modern life, where many values ​​are easily forgotten, the image and simple lifestyle of Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh remind us that the most enduring glory does not come from ostentatious displays, but from kindness preserved every day.

The story of Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh is the story of a man who lived out his role fully in each period of history: In wartime, he was a courageous soldier, ready to fight and sacrifice to protect the Fatherland; in peacetime, he was a veteran on a new front, a responsible and dedicated Party member who devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Party and the people; in his family, he was an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather. All of these things have made him the greatest value in the hearts of his people.

As Comrade Le Kim Binh, Secretary of the Bau Cau Village Party Branch, stated at the celebration of Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh's 95th birthday in 2025: "Mr. Ngo Tan Vinh is a shining example for younger generations to follow. He lived a beautiful life, fought bravely, and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his homeland. We hope he remains healthy and continues to be a source of spiritual support for the village..."

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/nguoi-linh-gia-cua-lang-1022053