Ready for the nation's big holiday!

These days, the training grounds at the National Military Training Center 4 (Mieu Mon, Hanoi) are bustling with the sound of steady footsteps.

Female soldiers from the Peacekeeping Force with Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Kien - training instructor.

The rhythmic chants of the various units resounded as they urgently practiced for the parade and march in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The morning of August 13th marked the third joint rehearsal before the preliminary and final rehearsals scheduled for the end of August.

On the scorching training ground, in neat rows, the female soldiers of the Ninh Binh Provincial Military Command – members of the Women's Peacekeeping Unit – maintained strict discipline, striving to overcome the harsh weather conditions, marching steadily under the military flag. On their beautiful faces was a look of unwavering determination and pride in representing the provincial armed forces in this momentous political and historical event of the nation, contributing to the complete joy of the entire nation. The spirit of "overcoming the sun and conquering the rain" of these female soldiers clearly demonstrated the character of revolutionary soldiers, confident and determined "Uncle Ho's soldiers," competing with other units to successfully complete their assigned tasks.

The all-female peacekeeping contingent is actively practicing for parades and marches, ready for the nation's momentous event.

To date, after nearly three months of training on the field, the female soldiers are all stronger and healthier. Despite the harsh weather, prolonged periods of intense heat, and increasingly high training intensity, which left them quite exhausted, their determined spirit as soldiers helped them overcome all difficulties and hardships, diligently practicing. They all understood that participating in the parade and march during a major national political event was a great honor and source of pride; therefore, they always strived to train with the highest spirit.

Lieutenant Tran Thi Thu Phuong, a professional soldier (Weapons and Ammunition Depot, Logistics and Technical Department, Provincial Military Command), said: This is the third time she has been selected to participate in a special national event. She feels extremely honored, proud, and happy to have contributed her small part to the success of these events. Despite the difficulties and hardships, especially with two young children at home, she is fortunate to have the support of her husband and family, allowing her to focus on her duties. She added: "Having participated in parades and marches twice before in major national events, I have a lot of experience in performing the movements. However, each time I perform a task, there are differences and varying levels of difficulty, so in addition to mastering the techniques, building endurance is essential for soldiers to meet the requirements and tasks effectively."

For Senior Lieutenant Dao Thi Bao Cham (Information Company, Staff Department, Provincial Military Command), this is the third time she has been selected to participate in the parade during this particularly important national event. She believes this is not only a great honor and source of pride in her life but also a responsibility of today's generation of soldiers towards the country. Although she is quite familiar with high-intensity training and has extensive experience in parades, in the hot weather, she and her fellow female soldiers must make great efforts and work together in carrying out their duties. Because if even one person is unwell, tired, demoralized, or performs the movements incorrectly, it will affect the entire unit. Therefore, in addition to training with the unit according to the plan, she and her fellow soldiers actively train their physical fitness to improve their health. During training, many of them even have to wear weights on their legs to maintain a steady gait.

Participating in parades and marches at special events, Senior Lieutenant Dao Thi Bao Cham always demonstrates a sense of responsibility, trains well, and has received commendations from her superiors. She is also an active member of the unit in competitions and sports events, such as winning a silver medal in unarmed combat at the 2024 National Defense Sports Games.

As a training instructor for the Women's Peacekeeping Unit participating in parades and marches on important national anniversaries such as the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 2024); the 50th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 2025); and now the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trung Kien (Training Department, Staff Office, Ninh Binh Provincial Military Command) said: for the women performing long-term duties and continuous outdoor training in harsh weather conditions, it is very difficult and exhausting, but the female soldiers have always upheld the heroic traditions of the People's Army, united and determined to overcome all difficulties and perform their duties well.

In particular, this parade and march training session had higher requirements than previous ones. The female peacekeeping contingent not only increased the number of participants but also had to complete a 250-meter marching route past the grandstand and a 4-kilometer parade through the streets. To ensure uniformity and accuracy, each soldier needed excellent physical fitness and endurance to successfully complete the task. Therefore, the unit maintained strict discipline in training, improving physical fitness and skills to form a unified unit. This training session took place during the summer, presenting many challenges, with prolonged heat significantly impacting the health of the soldiers. To ensure the health of the female soldiers, the unit proactively arranged training times appropriately, focusing on early mornings and late afternoons. The medical corps also provided constant support, supplementing with nutritional supplements and health care measures, including protection against heatstroke, to enhance the physical fitness and endurance of female soldiers throughout the training process.

Female soldiers during their break.

Perhaps for female soldiers, the joy and pride of participating in this momentous event helped them overcome all difficulties to complete their special mission. However, it was also the timely care and encouragement from their families, superiors at all levels, and the love and enthusiastic support from all sectors of the population that provided them with immense motivation and determination to successfully complete their assigned tasks. Military officer Vu Thi Ha Trang (Military Hospital 7, Logistics and Technical Department of Military Region 3), who holds the position of Block Leader 2, shared: "Participating in the parade and march during the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is something not everyone gets to experience. My comrades and I are determined to complete our mission well to contribute to affirming the strength of the armed forces in particular, and the Vietnam People's Army in general." At the same time, it portrays the image of Vietnamese female soldiers as courageous, confident, disciplined, and full of aspirations to contribute and love peace. Clearly defining our roles and responsibilities, my comrades and I have always strived to enhance the strength of our entire unit, successfully fulfilling the duties of revolutionary soldiers, worthy of the heroic tradition of the Vietnam People's Army. Through this, we have contributed a small part to the success of this momentous event.

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Under the golden August sun, the unwavering spirit of the female peacekeeping soldiers blends into the vibrant rhythm of the nation as it prepares for the great national holiday. This not only demonstrates the responsibility of revolutionary soldiers towards their common mission but also sends a powerful message about the image of Vietnamese women in the military – courageous, intelligent, disciplined, and ready to contribute to the cause of peacekeeping and protecting the Fatherland.

Text and photos: Phuong Dung

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/san-sang-cho-ngay-le-lon-cua-dan-toc-402405.html