Standing shoulder to shoulder with the people

During the torrential rains and floods in Lam Dong, the officers and soldiers of the 7th Military Region's armed forces overcame dangers and devoted their hearts and souls to helping the people overcome the consequences of the natural disaster. These actions amidst the floods deeply strengthened the bond between the military and the people, and even after the soldiers left the area, we will never forget the image of the people reluctantly bidding them farewell.

At 4:30 AM on November 20th, officers and soldiers of Military Region 7 received orders to march from Ho Chi Minh City to Lam Dong . Hastily packing my backpack, notebook, camera, and preparing my military equipment, I joined the Military Region 7 troops on their way. Upon arrival, the Military Region 7 task force immediately coordinated with Lam Dong province to survey the scene and propose urgent solutions.

People bid a tearful farewell to the armed forces of Military Region 7 as they returned to their units.

Colonel Le Xuan Binh, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Military Region 7, affirmed: “Military Region 7 mobilized its maximum forces. Wherever the people needed us, the troops were there. Immediately afterwards, a forward command post was established in Hiep Thanh commune. A mobile communication center was quickly formed, ensuring smooth communication to serve the command and control of units on duty and the permanent command post of Military Region 7.”

On the evening of November 20th, units from the 25th Engineering Brigade, the 657th Transport Brigade, the 302nd Division, and other units, in coordination with the armed forces of Lam Dong province, simultaneously mobilized, deploying specialized vehicles to critical points in the communes of Cat Tien, D'Ran, Ka Do, and Duc Trong. In isolated areas, cries for help echoed through the night. Task forces split into multiple directions, using motorboats and life rafts to reach each household. All demonstrated a spirit of urgency in battling the floodwaters. The flickering flashlight beams of the soldiers became a source of moral support for the people. Despite the rising floodwaters, strong currents, and cut roads, the soldiers persevered, evacuating thousands of households and their belongings to safety.

Recently, in Lac Thien 1 village, D'ran commune, Don Duong district, Lam Dong province, the Command of Military Region 7, in coordination with Lam Dong province, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of new houses for families whose homes were completely destroyed by natural disasters. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the ceremony. This is a practical activity in response to the "Quang Trung Campaign" launched by the Prime Minister, focusing on overcoming the consequences of storms, floods, and natural disasters. At the ceremony, delegates commenced construction and presented funding for the new houses to four families severely affected in D'ran commune. On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son also presented meaningful gifts to 10 other families who suffered heavy losses due to floods in D'ran commune.

MANH THANG - THU HOAI

As the floodwaters receded, residential areas were littered with mud. Before me were rows of houses with mud clinging to the floors and walls, and furniture scattered everywhere. Thousands of officers and soldiers of Military Region 7 worked tirelessly, continuing their simultaneous cleanup of streets, residential areas, and schools. Infantry units took turns transporting waste to collection points. Chemical defense and medical forces urgently disinfected and sterilized the area, guiding residents on environmental sanitation and handling flood-damaged belongings to prevent disease outbreaks.

Along with the commanders of the units assisting the local area, I followed the working group from Military Region 7 to the families severely affected by the disaster, those who had lost loved ones. In the houses still smelling of dampness, choked sobs mingled with words of comfort and encouragement. I listened as the commanders inquired about their well-being, shared their condolences, personally handed out financial assistance, and kindly advised the people to try to overcome their losses and rebuild their lives. The firm handshakes, the silent bows… these are moments that, as a reporter, I will surely never forget.

The natural disaster will pass, and life will gradually recover. I believe that in the hearts of the people of Lam Dong, these stormy days will be remembered for the image of the simple, resilient soldiers of Military Region 7, who "sacrificed themselves for the people."

PARTY COMMITTEE, COMMAND HEADQUARTERS OF MILITARY REGION 7

NOTICE

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Armed Forces of Military Region 7 (December 10, 1945 - December 10, 2025) and the awarding of the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces; the Party Committee and Command of Military Region 7 respectfully send their warmest and most heartfelt greetings to all officers, professional soldiers, soldiers, workers, civil servants, defense workers, reserve forces, and militia members who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces of Military Region 7; Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs, retired and transferred personnel, demobilized and discharged soldiers. We wish you and your families good health, happiness, and success. Continuing to uphold the tradition of "unwavering loyalty, proactive creativity, self-reliance, and decisive unity" of the Armed Forces of the Military Region, they have achieved many new accomplishments in building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland.

On this occasion, the Party Committee and Command of Military Region 7 express their profound gratitude to the Party, the State, and directly to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense ; and respectfully thank the Party committees, local authorities, and people of all ethnic groups in the region, as well as agencies and units inside and outside the Army, for their wholehearted support and for creating favorable conditions for the Armed Forces of Military Region 7 to successfully complete all tasks over the past 80 years.

Lieutenant Colonel BIEN VAN CUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/sat-canh-cung-dan-post827601.html