President Ho Chi Minh's special affection for wounded soldiers and martyrs.

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh paid special attention to soldiers, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and the families of martyrs. Despite being extremely busy, every year on July 27th, he personally sent letters, gave gifts, and visited wounded soldiers and the families of martyrs.

President Ho Chi Minh visits and encourages the soldiers (Archival photo)

Affirming the profound significance of July 27th, he said: because it is “an occasion for our people to show their filial piety and compassion, to show their love for wounded soldiers.” He called on the people of the whole country to express their love, responsibility, and duty through the most practical actions: “During the fight against famine, our people once went without a meal each week to help those who were starving. Now, in the fight against foreign invasion, I am sure our people will gladly go without a meal for a few months to help wounded soldiers. I volunteer to send a silk undershirt given to me by the women, one month's salary, one meal of mine, and meals from the staff at the Presidential Palace, totaling one thousand one hundred and twenty-seven dong.”

In his historic "Testament" for the entire Party, army, and people, President Ho Chi Minh instructed: "Immediately after the complete victory of our people's struggle against the US, the first task for the people is to care for wounded soldiers and those who contributed to the cause of national liberation and reunification. For those who bravely sacrificed a part of their blood and lives, the Party, the Government, and the people must find every way to ensure they have stable housing and living conditions, and at the same time, open vocational training classes suitable for each person so that they can gradually become self-reliant. For martyrs in each locality, it is necessary to build flower gardens and memorial plaques to commemorate their heroic sacrifice, to forever educate our people in the spirit of patriotism. For the parents, wives, and children (of wounded soldiers and martyrs) who lack the ability to work and are in need, the local government must help them find suitable jobs, and absolutely not let them suffer from hunger and cold."

To express the deep affection and profound gratitude of the people towards those who were wounded and disabled for their selfless sacrifice and dedication to the Fatherland, in 1947, President Ho Chi Minh proposed that the central committees, departments, and organizations meeting in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen, designate July 27, 1947, as "National War Invalids Day." In 1955, "National War Invalids Day" was renamed "War Invalids and Martyrs Day."

President Ho Chi Minh visits the martyrs' cemetery (Archival photo)

Following the teachings of the great President Ho Chi Minh, the affection he held for wounded soldiers, martyrs, and their families continues to be deepened by the Party, State, and people of Vietnam through activities of "gratitude and repayment" to honor the heroic martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers, and families of policy beneficiaries. Over nearly 80 years, policies caring for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, relatives of martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers have been repeatedly revised and supplemented to suit the socio -economic conditions of the country. Currently, there are approximately 1.4 million people who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution and their relatives receiving monthly preferential allowances nationwide, and their living standards are constantly improving. Overall, the preferential treatment regime for war invalids and martyrs has been built and implemented relatively comprehensively and inclusively. In addition to allowances, it includes healthcare, housing improvements, preferential treatment in medicine, education and training, production, business, and job creation, etc. To date, the War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27th has become a day for the whole nation to remember and express gratitude to those who have contributed to the country.

It can be said that President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts, feelings, and admonitions regarding wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution have always had a powerful impact. And to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh's expectations, over the years, the Party and State have effectively implemented policies and guidelines on the work related to wounded soldiers and martyrs, along with practical and meaningful "Gratitude and Repayment" projects and activities. This is not only a responsibility but also a moral obligation of Vietnam.

Vu Trung Kien

Source: https://baolongan.vn/tinh-cam-dac-biet-cua-bac-ho-voi-thuong-binh-liet-si-a199340.html