Reprinting of the diary "Forever Twenty" by martyr Nguyen Van Thac

Exactly 20 years since its release, the diary Forever Twenty by martyr Nguyen Van Thac has always proven its appeal to the public. Recently, the work continues to reach readers through a new edition by Kim Dong Publishing House.

In 2005, the diary collection Forever Twenty , collected and introduced by writer Dang Vuong Hung, was introduced to readers and became a cultural and social event, awarded the Special Prize - the first Vietnam Book Award, and ignited the movement "Carrying on the Fire of Tradition" among youth and veterans across the country.

Initially, the diary was called Life Story , about 240 handwritten pages long, recorded by Nguyen Van Thac from October 2, 1971 to the end of May 1972, nearly 8 months, on the journey from when he joined the army until before going to the battlefield in Quang Tri .

In this comeback, "Forever Twenty" is edited and supplemented with images and a handwritten letter from martyr Nguyen Van Thac.

He wrote his diary on the march, in the villages of Bac Giang , Bac Ninh, Ha Tinh… when resting, on the train, or during the night watch. Despite the bombs and hardships, each word was still full of sincere emotions and youthful aspirations. The romantic descriptions of nature, mixed with the determination of the soldiers, created a portrait of the generation of Vietnamese intellectual youth during the war.

The diary not only reflects the arduous life of a soldier but also exudes the spirit and responsibility of a generation of Vietnamese youth: Love for the homeland and the desire to contribute to national independence. “If I do not return - who will write the following lines for me? I only wish that tomorrow, the remaining pages will be filled with joy and excitement.” ( Forever Twenty ).

It is not only a private advice, but also a spiritual testament of a fallen generation, sending a message to today's youth: live beautifully, live responsibly and contribute to the Fatherland.

General Vo Nguyen Giap once affirmed: "I believe that the example of the two martyrs (Dang Thuy Tram, Nguyen Van Thac) will contribute to further cultivating the ideals and revolutionary sentiments of each of us, making us strive even harder, contributing worthily to the cause of building a strong and prosperous country and firmly protecting our beloved Vietnam."

In times of peace, Forever Twenty still resonates as a wake-up call. For the younger generation, the book raises the question: How will you live so that your twenties are not wasted? Forever Twenty is not only a work of literature and history, but also a spiritual flame, continuing the ideals of those who have fallen, inspiring today's generation to live with ambition, love and serve the Fatherland.

After 20 years, the book continues to be reprinted, touching the hearts of millions of readers, especially the young generation. In this edition, Forever Twenty has been edited and supplemented with pictures and handwritten letters from martyr Nguyen Van Thac with the help of his family.

QUYNH YEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tai-ban-nhat-ky-mai-mai-tuoi-hai-muoi-cua-liet-si-nguyen-van-thac-post811845.html