The war correspondent writes history in blood amidst the gunfire.

For their generation, journalists were ready to accept themselves as soldiers, going into battle as a matter of course, knowing that anyone could fall at any moment… This memoir is not only a remarkable film about a generation that wielded both pen and gun, but it also spreads that courage and idealism to today's generation, serving as an invaluable lesson on professional resilience amidst the challenges and complexities of writing today.

I once had the opportunity to interview journalist Tran Mai Huong when he was the Director General of the Vietnam News Agency, and even today, as I read this book, I still remember his words from that time: "For our generation, going to war was a matter of course…".

In fact, throughout the four wars of the 20th century, our country had more than 500 martyred journalists. They were those who fell on various battlefields, for the cause of national reunification and for peace and freedom for the nation. After numerous verifications and comparisons, the number of martyred journalists from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has been confirmed as 262. Journalist Tran Mai Huong is one of those who survived and returned to recount those fierce war years.

He confided: “ The profession of journalism, especially working for a news agency and war correspondent, is a very harsh challenge. In war, to be present in time and witness events, the reporter is truly a soldier. Dangers and sacrifices are imminent. Behind every news item and photograph is the spirit of overcoming all obstacles to complete the mission. Being present in time is difficult enough, but carrying out the work and bringing the products back to the agency and newsroom often requires great sacrifice and effort. The reporter not only faces the enemy and bombs but also has to overcome the thoughts and anxieties of each individual on the line between life and death to fulfill the mission of ‘those who write history with their blood amidst the fire and bullets ’.”

Journalist Tran Mai Huong lived through heroic and tragic times, witnessing historical moments as well as the immense sacrifices, suffering, and losses of humanity. Many of his colleagues fell on the battlefield, with cameras and weapons in hand, news articles still unfinished. That sacrifice is priceless… And those years are like a special memory, an unforgettable period of his life, reflected in the verses he once wrote: “ My hair and beard are now white / Yet I still talk about a time when I was young / Death has called me several times / But I still have a connection and a debt to repay, so I can’t leave… ”

In his memoir, journalist Tran Mai Huong recounts many stories of himself, his colleagues, his comrades, and of the wartime experiences he witnessed. The captivating storytelling skills of a veteran journalist draw the reader in, making it impossible to put the book down…

Journalist Le Quoc Minh - Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda Department, and President of the Vietnam Journalists Association - commented: “Memoirs and autobiographies are a difficult genre, and seem to be reserved only for those with rich experiences. Journalist Tran Mai Huong had such a life. From a very young age as a journalist at the Vietnam News Agency, he was present very early in the great war against the US to save the nation. He experienced the “Red Summer” of 1972 in Quang Tri; was one of the first journalists to enter Hue when the ancient capital was liberated; was present in Da Nang when the second largest city in the South was liberated; was present at the Independence Palace on the historic day of April 30, 1975; was present in Phnom Penh on January 7, 1979, when Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and the Cambodian revolutionary army entered the city, overthrowing the Pol Pot genocidal regime; and was present in Ha Giang and Cao Bang.” "By fighting against the invading expansionist forces…".

Reading this memoir reveals how the flames of war forged and tempered the character and unwavering spirit of journalists, enabling them to overcome all challenges and difficulties. Through their work, through articles, photographs, and films—as reliable witnesses—reporters contributed to motivating and encouraging cadres, soldiers, and the people in the common cause. And for journalist Tran Mai Huong, "That is a proud professional honor!"

He also said that his job as a news agency reporter gave him career opportunities, allowing him to witness events and changes in life, and contribute his small part to the common good. It was in the vast and endless ocean of life that he was trained and matured.

Sharing some thoughts about this memoir, journalist Tran Mai Huong said: “ I wrote these memoirs when I was over 70 years old. Life unfolded like a slow-motion film through the years, with many events, faces, and circumstances I lived through. It has been 65 years since I left high school to study at the Vietnam News Agency's 8th reporter training course. I have dedicated my entire life to journalism. The work has given me many experiences, allowed me to face many challenges during war and peace, and witness many major events in the country's history. For me, that is truly a great blessing.”

Reporters Tran Mai Huong, Ngoc Dan, and Hoang Thiem are crossing Hai Van Pass into liberated Da Nang on March 29, 1975. Photo: Lam Hong Long (VNA).

The book "Memoirs of a War Correspondent," nearly 190,000 words long and 468 pages (16x24 cm), is divided into 11 parts and chronicles the journey of a lifetime through war and peace… it is truly valuable.

As affirmed by the Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association: “ Throughout his life, journalist Tran Mai Huong traveled across the country, from Lung Cu – the northernmost point – to Apachai – the westernmost point of the Fatherland. He went to the South Sea, the West Sea, to where the Da River flows into Vietnam, to where the Ma River returns to Vietnam… He traveled from the East Coast to the West Coast of the United States, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He visited many countries and continents around the world. But this book not only contains his footsteps but also the salty taste of sweat and the red color of blood; it contains the anxieties and reflections on the journey of a lifetime through the harsh years of war and peace. With a seemingly simple yet richly poetic writing style, this memoir is not only valuable to readers nationwide but also very valuable to us journalists in particular.”

It can be said that this is not just a "memoir" reflecting the perspective of those involved, but also seems to be for "us"—with a special, radiating energy. It's not just the story of war correspondent Tran Mai Huong with his personal feelings: " As those fortunate enough to return, the lives within each of us are always weighed down by the lives of so many who are no longer here. Therefore, living a life worthy of others, living for the hopes of those who did not return, is always a big question for every person today" ... but it seems to speak for journalists, the generation that enjoys peace. Because how to live a life worthy of our ancestors, how to work and contribute to the profession so as not to be ashamed of the blood and sacrifices made in the past...?

The memoir "War Correspondent" also offers a great lesson: the lesson of professional integrity, dedication, and commitment to the profession and to the nation. The value of the profession, whether in wartime or peacetime, is multiplied and truly fulfilled by genuine journalists, as expressed in the word "Happiness" by journalist Tran Mai Huong: " I am happy to have lived such a life, and if I could choose again, I would still choose to be a journalist to praise the good things about people and life in my beloved country ."

Ha Van

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-phong-vien-chien-truong-chep-su-bang-mau-trong-lua-dan-post274515.html