Young people and their journey in preserving historical memory.

SKĐS - Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, while many young people are preoccupied with new trends, some still choose to return to the past in their own unique way: cherishing historical artifacts, quietly preserving and recounting the stories of that era.

The journey of collecting and spreading historical values ​​by Mai Phu Hao, a 12th-grade student at An Bien High School (An Bien commune, An Giang province), is a testament to the admirable spirit of preserving historical heritage among today's young generation.

From childhood curiosity to a treasure trove of historical artifacts.

In 2017, when he was a fourth-grade student, Hào became curious about what soldiers used in war, from uniforms to personal equipment, through history lessons in class and stories from relatives. This curiosity gradually turned into research, then formed a collecting habit that continues to this day.

According to Hao, what captivated him in front of these rusty objects wasn't their material value, but the genuine feeling of time and people hidden behind each artifact. "Every scratch, every patch of rust is a trace of a life that once existed. When I look at them, I feel like I'm touching the memories of the past," Hao shared.

For Hao, each memento is not just an old item, but a story from the past that needs to be listened to and cherished.

To date, Hao's collection has grown to approximately 700 artifacts of various sizes. In the limited living space of a student, preserving and organizing such a large number of artifacts is no easy task. Hao categorizes the artifacts by material, storing them in dry locations suitable for each type. Fragile items are gently cleaned and carefully wrapped.

For Hao, collecting is not just about ownership, but more importantly, about understanding the artifacts correctly. He always carefully considers the balance between restoration for long-term preservation and maintaining the original state to avoid losing the traces of time. "Every scratch, every faded patch of color is a part of the historical story," Hao shared.

Not only does Hào keep the artifacts at home, but he also participates in thematic exhibitions, directly introducing them to students and the public. On many occasions, he dons old military uniforms, acting as a "living artifact," helping viewers visualize each historical period more clearly, making history more accessible, especially to young people.

Hao has preserved over 700 artifacts as living fragments of historical memory.

     

Keeping the passion alive amidst the pressures of turning 18 and final exams.

Pursuing his passion while still in 12th grade, Hao is entering the most stressful period of his student life with the high school graduation exam and the choices he has to make about his future. Pursuing his passion for collecting memorabilia in such circumstances is not always easy, especially when both cost and time are significant challenges.

To sustain his passion, Hao chooses methods that suit his circumstances: saving his pocket money, searching for artifacts through acquaintances, and exchanging with like-minded people instead of buying and selling at any cost. He also dedicates time to self-learning how to distinguish between genuine and fake items, and understanding their historical value through books, documents, and guidance from experienced individuals.

Mai Phu Hao persistently pursues his journey of collecting and preserving relics of the past.

Amidst the demands of studying and social activities, there were times when Hào felt "out of sync" with his friends because he chose to cling to memories of the past. However, it was precisely from this experience that Hào became more conscious of finding ways to tell the stories of these mementos in a relatable and vivid language so that his peers could feel and empathize.

When mementos become a bridge connecting young people to the past.

Not viewing the collection as the ultimate goal, Hao has set a long-term objective: to continue learning and researching so that he can become a storyteller of history through artifacts, contributing to bringing history closer to the community, especially young people.

For me, each memento is not just an old item, but a witness to the people who lived, fought, and sacrificed for today. Preserving and spreading these values ​​is also a way for future generations to express their gratitude and responsibility towards the nation's history.

I carefully preserve the army uniform of the soldiers who took over Hanoi on October 10, 1954.

In a fast-paced society where many young people perceive history as something distant, Hao hopes that stories told through mementos can help make the past more relatable and authentic. "Only when we understand and appreciate what has passed can we know where we stand and where we need to go," he shared.

Hao's journey may still be long ahead, but through his simple actions today, the image of a young person quietly keeping the flame of history alive with genuine love has been spreading positive values, contributing to nurturing the awareness of preserving traditions in the community.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/nguoi-tre-va-hanh-trinh-gin-giu-ky-uc-lich-su-169260128110620152.htm