“Coloring Memories” - A Grateful Generation's Journey of Gratitude

Stemming from the tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source” and the responsibility to show gratitude to the previous generation, Quang Ninh Provincial Youth Union has implemented the project “Coloring memories” to restore and present portraits of martyrs in the province. The project not only contributes to reconnecting sacred memories for the martyrs’ families but also spreads a beautiful image of the young generation living gratefully and living with ideals through concrete, touching and responsible actions.

Báo Quảng Ninh•26/05/2025

Relatives of martyrs were moved when receiving restored portraits at the program "Coloring memories" organized by the Provincial Youth Union. *Photo: Mai Linh*

“When I was a child, every time I looked at the old memorial photo of my grandfather - martyr Ly A Coong, I always tried to imagine his real face. The photo was very blurry, with only a few sketches left, and his eyes were almost unclear. But today I was able to see him clearly as if he were right in front of me. I was truly moved. For my family, this is a priceless gift,” Ly Chu Huy choked up as he shared in the program “Coloring Memories”, where he was one of hundreds of martyrs’ relatives who saw their loved ones’ faces for the first time in decades.

People's Armed Forces Hero, Martyr Ly A Coong, who once swore "Gold cannot buy the hearts of Dao people who follow the Party", died at a very young age. His memorial photo has long been just a faint image in his family's memory. But now, with restoration technology and deep gratitude, his image has been restored clearly and realistically.

The story of Ly Chu Huy's family is not unique. On stage that day, Mr. Nguyen Dac Nam, the younger brother of martyr Nguyen Dac Dong, also shed tears when he saw the restored photo of his brother who died on the Central battlefield in 1968. Mr. Nam was moved: My brother's memorial photo is very old, so faded that his face is no longer recognizable. The family has always had a burning wish, just to see his face again, to remember, to tell their children and grandchildren how their grandfather lived, fought and sacrificed. Thanks to the program, that has now come true!

The war has long gone, but the memories and pain are still there. With the desire to connect the past and the present, to arouse patriotism and the spirit of "When drinking water, remember its source" in the young generation, the Provincial Youth Union has coordinated with the Skyline photo restoration group to implement the project "Coloring memories". Accordingly, the Youth Union at all levels has actively promoted, reviewed, and connected with the families of martyrs throughout the province to collect documents. Many photos that were just sketches, out of focus, blurred... have been restored realistically and clearly.

“We have to ask the family to describe every detail, compare it with photos of relatives, collect military uniforms and hats, and even take pictures of models to accurately match images from each period. The eyes - the "soul" of each face - are the most difficult detail, and are also the part that the team takes the most care in. We do not consider this a job, but a mission. Each photo is a time of gratitude. We want to help the families of martyrs "reunite" in the most special way - through reviving memories" - Mr. Phung Quang Trung, Head of Skyline Group, shared.

Tien Yen District Youth Union Standing Committee presents reconstructed portraits to martyrs' families in the area. *Photo: Provided by the unit.*

The initial goal of the project was to restore at least 100 portraits of martyrs and give them away free of charge to their relatives in the province. Up to now, the Provincial Youth Union has restored and given away nearly 120 photos to the families of martyrs. The project, with its profound humanitarian meaning, has attracted the attention, response, and cooperation of many young people and young businesses in the province. Therefore, from now until the end of 2025, nearly 1,000 photos will continue to be restored and given away free of charge to the families of martyrs.

Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union Nguyen The Minh shared: “Coloring memories” is a beautiful slice in the journey of gratitude, helping young people live responsibly, gratefully and proudly. We will continue to digitize martyrs’ data, develop podcasts, videos telling historical stories and support startups for children of martyrs, so that gratitude does not stop at a program, but becomes a regular action. That journey will not stop at photos, but will continue in every story, every action and in the grateful heart of every young person in the Mining Region today.

Ngo Diu

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/to-mau-ky-uc-hanh-trinh-tri-an-cua-mot-the-he-biet-on-3359611.html