In the tranquil atmosphere of Bac Ninh Ancient Citadel, footsteps quicken past familiar rows of houses and trees. 95 radiant faces from all over the country return, reconnecting the thread of memories that began thirty years ago. These young men, once eighteen or twenty years old, have now reached the age of "knowing their destiny"—each with their own military career, their own story of ups and downs. A familiar scent of the schoolyard, a fleeting Quan Ho folk song, a familiar call of a name, and sudden, tight handshakes and hugs bring tears to someone's eyes.

Officers and students of Course CT2, Military Political Academy, academic year 1995-2000.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh, Deputy Director of Factory Z125, General Department of Defense Industry, and Head of the Liaison Committee of Class CT2, extended his best wishes for health and happiness to the commanders, management staff, and all his beloved comrades of Battalion 4.

Representatives of the CT2 course students presented a commemorative painting to representatives of the Political Officer Training School.

In the joyful reunion, nearly 100 former students were filled with sadness as they remembered three deceased classmates: Nguyen Huu Phuong, Le Anh Phan, and Chu Van Minh. They also expressed regret that some comrades were unable to attend today's celebration due to health reasons or work commitments. Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh emphasized: "The more we remember our deceased comrades and share the sorrow of our ailing comrades, the more determined we are to elevate the activities of the Liaison Committee to a new level, so that this place truly becomes a common home, a place that brings the warmth of camaraderie, where we can share all joys and sorrows, and cherish the unforgettable memories of our vibrant youth."

The trainees offered incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs.

After a moment of reflection filled with nostalgia and gratitude, memories of their twenties flooded back into everyone's minds, as vivid as if it were yesterday...

The CT2 course, which enrolled in September and October 1995, consisted of over 100 comrades. During the 10 months of training at Regiment 36, the course participants stood side-by-side, overcoming the first challenge of their training. The land of Luong Son, Hoa Binh (now part of Phu Tho province) was their starting point, leaving many memories for all the trainees, as one comrade once wrote: “”.

Students of Course CT2 on campus.

In September 1996, Class CT2 spent 18 months studying General University subjects at the Army Officer School I. During this period, the class welcomed many new members who had been admitted in 1996 and already held squad leader certificates. "—some mischievously wrote in their diaries during those harsh days at the school nicknamed 'the army-robbing' school."

Colonel Vu Cong Tang, representing the former management officers of the CT2 course, delivered a speech.

But in reality, the Sơn Tây sun wasn't scorching, and although the Ba Vì mountain was high, it couldn't obscure the future of these young cadets. The entire class successfully completed the General University program, passing the hurdle and returning to their newly merged alma mater, the Military Political Academy. Here, Class CT2 was assigned the designation Battalion 4, remaining there until graduation.

These days were the most intense and enthusiastic periods of training. Under simple, one-story houses, with simple meals of rice and water spinach, their hearts were filled with ambition. Despite the youthful impulsiveness and mischievousness, everyone in the course embraced the motto: "Books beside flowers, music beside guns, a century-long career following in the footsteps of Uncle Ho." Some studied day and night, even in the scorching sun, hiding in a metal bin next to the football field to study in peace. Others drank strong tea to stay up late studying. All for the goal of achieving academic excellence and rigorous training. And those days of tactical training in the mountainous district of Viet Yen, where names like Elephant Mountain, Bo Pagoda, Thuong Lat, Ha Lat... are now etched in the hearts of each student, becoming a part of their souls.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh, Head of the CT2 Class Liaison Committee, delivered a speech.

Then there were evenings spent learning Quan Ho folk singing, teaching each other to dance, showing each other how to cut letters, drawing slogans, youth forums to combat speech impediments, and volleyball tournaments with "wet heads - smooth hair." All activities of the officers and trainees in the battalion were aimed at building a military cultural environment imbued with human kindness, so that the trainees of Course CT2 could compete in learning how to eat, how to speak, how to wrap, how to unwrap, how to work, how to be a good person, and how to be a good officer.

From their beloved school located within the ancient citadel of Bac Ninh, the students of Course CT2 have spread to all corners of the country, with many comrades even venturing out to sea, serving in numerous countries around the world.

Colonel Dinh Tri Minh, representing the alumni of Course CT2, delivered a speech.

With pride, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh mentioned his comrades serving in the Truong Sa archipelago, Ca Mau cape, frontline islands like Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Bach Long Vi, the Central Highlands, and other remote and strategically important areas of the country. He summarized that, to date, the course has seen over 40 comrades promoted to colonel; over 30 comrades hold the rank of lieutenant colonel. Many comrades hold important positions such as Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the Military Region, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of press agencies; Political Commissar at the division and provincial levels; Deputy Director of military enterprises... Many comrades have transitioned to other fields, becoming educators, lawyers, and entrepreneurs, all achieving significant accomplishments in their careers. Those who have retired continue to participate in economic development, also achieving many proud results in serving society. The success of each individual creates a colorful overall picture, providing a great source of motivation to connect all the students.

Representing the alumni of the CT2 class, Colonel Dinh Tri Minh, Head of the Personnel Department, Cadre Department, General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army, expressed his emotion that after 30 years since entering the school, nearly 100 comrades from the CT2 class are still gathered together from all over the country, demonstrating deep solidarity and close ties. He expressed his profound gratitude for the dedicated guidance and training of the teachers and officers of the battalion and company from the past, considering it the "flame" that fuels the growth of the current generation of students, enabling them to maintain and develop the traditions of the Political Officer School.

Representing the former management officers, Colonel Vu Cong Tang, former Battalion Commander of Battalion 4, expressed his emotion at returning to meet the students after 30 years. He recalled the early days when Course CT2 entered the school under challenging conditions with limited facilities, but with determination, the officers and students overcame the challenges, creating a solid foundation for their future growth.

Students from Course CT2 at the reunion.

Colonel Vu Cong Tang expressed his pride that many of the battalion's trainees have now become senior officers, holding important responsibilities in the army and society. He affirmed that 30 years, while not a long time, is enough to demonstrate the character, intelligence, and maturity of the trainees of Course CT2. He hoped that the former trainees, regardless of their positions, would continue to study, train, and improve their qualities and abilities to meet the requirements of building a regular, elite, and modern Vietnamese People's Army.

As the evening shadows fell over the schoolyard, hugs and handshakes were filled with lingering affection. Before leaving, many lingered to take group photos, a testament to their unwavering camaraderie. Thirty years have passed; time may have taken away their youthful hair and vigor, but it cannot erase the imprint of Battalion 4 deep within each person's heart.

Text and photos: HOANG VIET

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/sach-ben-hoa-dan-ben-sung-848010