Despite not holding military ranks, they persistently contribute to safeguarding the border, using their prestige and responsibility to unite the community, resolve conflicts, ignite solidarity, and build a strong foundation of public support.
Preserve the borders, cultivate trust.
At 75 years old, the hands of village elder Siu Phyin (Goong village, Ia Puch commune) still nimbly work at her loom weaving brocade. Few know that she is the first female village elder of the Jrai community in this border region of the province, trusted and respected by the people since 2016. Originally a guerrilla fighter, and having been involved in the Women's Union of the commune for many years, she is both decisive and strong, yet flexible and adaptable. She believes that "empty words don't win the people's hearts," therefore she always takes the lead in doing things first so that the people trust and follow.
From reclaiming hilly land to plant cashew trees, teaching villagers to weave brocade and brew rice wine, to patrolling the border with the soldiers, Ms. Siu Phyin has become a source of spiritual support for the entire community. She sincerely shared: "Guarding the border is a shared responsibility. The soldiers consider the outpost their home, the border their homeland, and the people their brothers and sisters, so we always consider the soldiers as our family."
Also on the border, Mr. Ksor Bơng (73 years old, a respected person in Bi village, Ia O commune) is known as a dedicated "border marker keeper". Having served as the head of the border self-management team, border marker 25 (3), he considers working alongside the soldiers as his way of life. Regardless of day or night, he has often gone through the forest with the soldiers to patrol and control the border, especially persistently persuading 23 households with fields bordering the border to sign a commitment not to assist in smuggling, not to harbor strangers, and to promptly provide information to the functional forces. He always believes that only when he sets an example will the people trust and follow him. At the same time, he always reminds the people that the border and border markers are the sacred blood and flesh of the Fatherland, and living on the border, they must uphold the responsibility of preserving them.
Meanwhile, Mr. Siu Deo (66 years old, a respected figure in Mook Den 2 village, Ia Dom commune) is considered a skillful "mediator." Understanding local customs, he knows how to harmonize traditional law with legal law, resolving many issues fairly and reasonably, preventing conflicts from escalating. He persistently encourages villagers to abandon outdated customs, build a civilized lifestyle, develop the economy , and prioritize their children's education. For him, unity is the foundation for a prosperous and progressive village.
"For the village to develop, everyone must be united. Therefore, whenever there's a problem in the village, I always meet and discuss it with all parties involved to clarify things and maintain unity," Mr. Deo shared.
The pillar of support for the soldier in the green uniform.
In 2024, all three village elders and respected figures, Siu Phyin, Ksor Bơng, and Siu Deo, were honored at the "Pillars of the Village" program, jointly organized by the Communist Magazine, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the Border Guard Command. This is well-deserved recognition for their persistent and silent contributions.
The common traits among village elders and respected figures in border regions are patience, dedication, and credibility. They work with the villagers to develop village regulations and customs that are appropriate to the local situation, resolve many issues at the grassroots level, and strengthen the people's trust in the Party committee and government.
For the soldiers in their "green uniforms," village elders and respected community leaders are not only a strong source of moral support but also "special companions." They go door-to-door with the troops, propagating and mobilizing the people to comply with the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws, contributing to the effectiveness of mass mobilization and border sovereignty protection.
Major Huynh Ngoc Phu, Political Officer of Ia O Border Guard Station, and Major Ro O Thuy, Deputy Political Officer of Ia Puch Border Guard Station, both assessed: The voice of village elders and respected individuals carries special weight and is trusted by the people more than any administrative document. Therefore, the unit always focuses on promoting their role in propaganda work, both to unite the community and to create a solid foundation for the task of protecting the border.
Thanks to the guidance of village elders and respected community leaders, the Party's guidelines and policies, as well as the State's laws and regulations, reach the people in a more accessible and understandable way. They serve as a "bridge" connecting the military and the people, contributing to strengthening the people's trust and support in the border region.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/nhung-cot-moc-song-noi-phen-giau-post565576.html
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