Becoming the child of a soldier.

Sung Thi Gio (born in 2004) is the third of five sisters from the Mong ethnic group. Orphaned at a young age in Ea Kiet commune, Cu M'gar district, Dak Lak province , she was taken in and raised by soldiers of Regiment 720 in 2014.

Upon arriving here, the five sisters of Sung Thi Gio had their land leveled and houses built by the soldiers. They also contacted the local authorities to register their household residency, and the soldiers took all five sisters to school. Every day, officers and staff of the unit took turns caring for and guiding the five sisters step by step in doing daily chores, teaching them farming and intercropping, and helping them gradually adapt to living conditions in their new home.

Officers from the Political Department of the 16th Army Corps, the 720th Regiment, and local officials took a photo with Gió and Dờ on their wedding day.

Lieutenant Colonel Doan Manh Nghia, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of Regiment 720, said: “The five sisters of Sung Thi Gio have received special attention from the officers, employees, and mass organizations of the unit. Over the years, in addition to monitoring and caring for the children, the unit has also guided them so that when they grow up, they can choose jobs according to their interests and become useful citizens to society.”

Having the opportunity to go to school, and under the loving care of the soldiers of Regiment 720, all five sisters gradually grew up. The eldest sister, Sung Thi Dinh (born in 2000), was supported by the unit for her education. In 2018, the unit organized her wedding and arranged for her to work as a worker for the unit; she is now working at the Regiment's kindergarten.

The older brother, Sung A Giang (born in 2002), is receiving financial support from his unit and is currently studying at Tay Nguyen University with the dream of becoming a teacher to bring literacy to his village. His younger sister, Sung Thi Sung (born in 2007), is studying at Dak Nong Community College, and Sung Thi Nu (born in 2009) is attending Le Huu Trac Secondary and High School.

Unlike her older sister, Sung Thi Dinh, and her brother, Sung A Giang, Sung Thi Gio had a passion for gardening. During her time with the army and on her way to school, Gio loved the vibrant green of the coffee, pepper, and rubber plantations that grew on the hillsides. She also loved the eye-catching avocados and durians, which, when in season, emitted a fragrant aroma that attracted traders to buy them.

Lieutenant Colonel Vu Van Dinh - Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the 16th Army Corps (far left) and Lieutenant Colonel Doan Manh Nghia - Political Commissar of the 720th Regiment, happily pose with Gio and Do on their wedding day.

Like a wildflower growing amidst the vast forest, news of a girl adopted by a soldier reached Lầu Mí Dờ in Đắk Ha commune, Đắk Glong district, Đắk Nông province. Dờ sought out Gió. Dờ shared a passion for gardening, a passion Gió also had. The young couple vowed to build a home together, determined to work alongside Dờ's family to care for their 2-hectare coffee plantation.

Joy on the wedding day

Having fallen in love with Lầu Mí Dờ, Gió spoke to her "parents," who were soldiers from Regiment 720, to request permission to register their marriage and hold a small wedding ceremony. The Party Committee and unit commanders discussed the matter and assigned officers and personnel to ensure Gió's wedding was safe, economical, and in accordance with the law and local customs.

Lieutenant Colonel Doan Manh Nghia (holding the microphone) sings a song for Gio and Do on their wedding day.

On the day of Gió's wedding, as the sun rose above the cashew trees, the courtyard of the Command Post of Team 6, Regiment 720, was bustling with activity. Officers and staff of the unit, along with village elders, chiefs, and residents of Giang Châu village, Đăk Ngo commune, Tuy Đức district, Đắk Nông province, were in full swing. Also present were Lieutenant Colonel Vũ Văn Định - Deputy Head of Political Affairs, 16th Army Corps, officers from the Mass Mobilization Department - Political Department of the Army Corps, and Mr. Lưu Đăng Tuấn, Chairman of the People's Committee of Đăk Ngo commune. Some set up tables, others prepared refreshments. The youth group connected the loudspeakers to play songs like "The Hmong People Thank the Party," and "We Are Soldiers of Uncle Ho"... The women's association arranged flower vases and decorated the backdrop. Union members and the logistics team prepared the feast... Everyone's faces showed joy, as today was a momentous occasion for a member of the family.

Mr. Ly Van So, a resident of Giang Chau village, still keeps two pink wedding invitations from the 720th Regiment, proudly showing them to everyone: “This is the second time in my life I’ve received a wedding invitation with the red seal of the 720th Regiment. The invitation clearly states: We respectfully invite you to the wedding of the ‘daughter of the Regiment.’ The first was for Dinh, and this time for Gio. How happy the couple are to have such thoughtful ‘fathers’.”

The wedding was simple but everyone was happy. Gió and Dờ went to each table, greeting guests, thanking them, and promising fidelity and loyalty, as well as a determination to become successful in business. The wedding was guaranteed by their "parents" with nearly 20 million dong. Also on the wedding day, the commander of the 16th Army Corps presented the "children" with 5 million dong, the 720th Regiment gave them a savings account worth 4 million dong, and officers, staff, and mass organizations within the unit all gave the "children" very meaningful gifts. The performing arts group, composed of members of the Regiment, dedicated the song "For the People, We Forget Ourselves" to Gió's joyous occasion…

The bride and groom posed for photos with representatives from the unit's mass organizations.

At the wedding reception, Mr. Tran Van Trien, Chairman of the Elderly Association of Dak Ngo commune, shook hands with Lieutenant Colonel Tran Van Son - Commander of Regiment 720. Smiling broadly, the wrinkles on his forehead seemed to smooth out, he confided: “I’ve turned 70, but I’ve never attended a wedding as joyful and special as this one. It’s joyful because everyone at this wedding felt a sense of responsibility to help the young couple as if it were their own family matter. Especially noteworthy is that all the local guests and senior citizens like us received invitations from the Regiment with a red seal.”

The sun was high in the sky, gradually setting behind the village. A car with a red license plate brought Sung Thi Gio to her husband's home, to the man she loved, so that Gio and Do could continue their work tending the orchards as they loved. The officers and staff of Regiment 720 offered handshakes and loving wishes, hoping she would have a happy life, cultivate bountiful orchards, and contribute significantly to the development of her homeland. They wished her to always be proud to be the daughter of Ho Chi Minh's soldiers, and to overcome any difficulties.

LE QUANG SANG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/thiep-hong-dong-dau-do-824420