Deep and heartfelt bond between the military and the people.

BHG - In the memories of veterans who fought in the border defense battle at Vi Xuyen, the emotions and images of those heroic and arduous years remain vivid. And surely, one thing they will never forget is the heartfelt affection of the people of Ha Giang province for the soldiers. From that day until now, those feelings remain familiar, dear, warm, and transcend all distances.

BHG - In the memories of veterans who fought in the border defense battle at Vi Xuyen, the emotions and images of those heroic and arduous years remain vivid. And surely, one thing they will never forget is the heartfelt affection of the people of Ha Giang province for the soldiers. From that day until now, those feelings remain familiar, dear, warm, and transcend all distances.

Forty-six years ago, to contribute to the fight to protect the northern border, young men and women in their late teens and early twenties from across the country volunteered to go to the border of Vi Xuyen district to defend every inch of the sacred land and territory of the Fatherland. Despite countless difficulties, these soldiers always maintained their heroic, resilient, and indomitable spirit. The great loss and sacrifice of their forefathers, combined with their love for their homeland, allowed the people to live in peace and happiness today. Coincidentally, Ha Giang has become a place of return for these former soldiers of Vi Xuyen.

Veterans light incense to commemorate their fallen comrades at the Vi Xuyen National Martyrs Cemetery.

In the memory of veteran Pham Kim Hoan from Phu Tho town (Phu Tho province), the Vi Xuyen front, throughout the years of fighting to protect the northern border, suffered a great deal of artillery fire and heavy shelling. Some high points were churned up by bullets, turning into a gray wasteland, while others were reduced to limestone. As the Company Commander of Reconnaissance Company C20, 356th Division, he commanded his unit to observe and gather intelligence on the enemy, reporting to superiors to deploy effective attack fronts. The unit's main mission was Hill 685, known as the "century-old lime kiln," where some battles were extremely fierce.

After battles and under the pressure of artillery fire, Mr. Hoan suffered head and chest injuries. Whenever the weather changes, his body aches. Overcoming the pain of his illness and with the optimistic spirit of a soldier, every year he and his comrades make a pilgrimage back to the Vi Xuyen border to reminisce about the past and light incense for their fallen brothers. The border has changed a lot since then, but he still remembers every address, street, and road name to find the families who sheltered, helped, and shared food and clothing with the soldiers during the years of fighting to protect the northern border.

Veteran Pham Kim Hoan (second from right) and his comrades meet with the family of Mr. Pham Duc Quyen, Group 8, Quang Trung Ward (Ha Giang City).

Veteran Pham Kim Hoan emotionally recounted: “My unit participated in training at the Border Guard barracks right next to the family of Mr. Pham Duc Quyen, Group 8, Quang Trung Ward (Ha Giang City). Around mid-July 1984, the Vi Xuyen front was extremely fierce. Mr. Quyen's wife and young child had to evacuate, leaving him alone to carry out the duties of the militia force in opening roads to support the fighting. He gave up his three-room wooden house for the soldiers to live in, and shared any food, vegetables, and other supplies with us. Not only Mr. Quyen, but also the people in the border region did the same. With the solidarity between the military and the people, the soldiers felt empowered to contribute to the victory in the fight to protect the border.”

Following in the footsteps of history, the veterans of the C20 Reconnaissance Company continued their journey to visit places once deeply connected to them in the Thanh Thuy area (Vi Xuyen). Upon returning, seeing the peaceful border, the stable lives of the people, and the lush green fields, everyone felt a warmth, as if the sacrifices of their comrades had been justly rewarded. The people still welcomed the veterans with affection, smiles, and heartwarming meals. Many families in Ha Giang still maintain regular contact with the veterans, preserving mementos as an indelible part of their memories. Younger generations in the border region grow up listening to stories from their grandparents and parents about unforgettable days, about the soldiers who, together with the people, created the legend of Vi Xuyen.

In April, when the whole country commemorates the outstanding sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for national independence and sovereignty, veteran groups quietly return to light incense for their comrades, expressing gratitude to the homes that once sheltered and protected soldiers amidst the gunfire at the Vi Xuyen front. The bond between the military and the people flows like a never-ending stream, continued through concrete actions and unwavering solidarity, as veteran Pham Kim Hoan said: "We may not remember all the names of our comrades, but we will never forget the kindness of the people of Ha Giang; that is what helped us overcome the most difficult years of our lives."

Text and photos: MOC LAN

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/xa-hoi/202504/tham-thiet-nghia-tinh-quan-dan-33e25e2/