A few months later, during a business trip, I unexpectedly met Bao Long again while he was enthusiastically practicing solo pieces on the stone xylophone, preparing for the "Warmth of Military-Civilian Relations" exchange program celebrating the new year. Sharing about how he came to play the stone xylophone, Bao Long simply confided: "The school curriculum includes a section introducing and teaching the techniques of playing the stone xylophone. I don't know why, but from the first time I heard the sound, I really liked it. The sound coming from the different lengths, thicknesses, and shapes of the stones captivated me."

Phan Hoang Bao Long is practicing his stone xylophone performance in preparation for the New Year's cultural exchange program.

After a short time getting acquainted, Bao Long mastered the sound of the stone xylophone and skillfully performed many familiar pieces such as: "The Sound of the Pestle in Bom Bo Village"; "Footprints of a Soldier"; "Borderland Evening"; "In a Distant Island"... at events organized by the school, local authorities, and military units. Bao Long confided: “I was born and raised in a border region, and was adopted by the Border Guard soldiers, which has changed my life a lot. Therefore, I always carry deep affection and gratitude towards the soldiers. Performing familiar melodies on the stone xylophone is also a way for me to express my dream. When I grow up, I want to become a soldier, guarding peace for my homeland and wholeheartedly caring for the poor people in the border region.”

Listening to those heartfelt words, I clearly sensed the maturity in the thinking of the 14-year-old boy and felt even more deeply the care, responsibility, and love that the Border Guard soldiers have for him. I recalled the introduction by Lieutenant Colonel Pham Quang Nga, Commander of Loc Thanh Border Guard Station (Border Guard Command, Dong Nai Provincial Military Command): “Long is an adopted son of our unit. We adopted him in 2021. Over the past four years, he has made great progress. We cherish his dream and will continue to encourage and create conditions for him to fulfill that dream.”  

Phan Hoang Bao Long performed the song "The Sound of the Pestle in Bom Bo Village" on the stone xylophone.

Looking at Bao Long's bright face today, few would know that behind it lies a childhood filled with hardship. His mother passed away early, and his father worked far away, only occasionally returning home. Bao Long grew up in the care of his paternal grandparents. The lack of parental affection made him quiet, withdrawn, and rarely smiled, his eyes always reflecting sadness. During school days, he sat silently, lacking the innocence typical of a child. Understanding Bao Long's special circumstances, the Loc Thanh Border Guard Post adopted him under the "Helping Children Go to School - Border Guard Post's Adopted Child" program. Since then, Bao Long has received regular support from the unit's officers and soldiers, including living expenses, school supplies, and encouragement. They also work closely with his family and school in caring for, educating , providing psychological counseling, guiding his character development, and fostering positive qualities.

Leaving the peaceful, verdant border region, I could still hear the faint sound of Phan Hoang Bao Long's stone xylophone. The music was like a simple yet profound expression of gratitude from a young student to the officers and soldiers of the Border Guard who, day after day, silently nurture the dreams of children, allowing them to soar high and far, resonating like the sound of the stone xylophone amidst the vast spring forest.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/tieng-dan-da-va-giac-mo-quan-phuc-1028313