Unending regrets
Heroic Vietnamese Mother Tran Thi Ly (Ea Phe commune) had 10 children, but after the war, only two sons remained with her. While she was still mentally alert, she always harbored a burning desire to find the remains of her husband and sons, to alleviate some of the pain of separation caused by the war, so that the spirits of her loved ones could be reunited under one roof.
In 1959-1960, Mother Ly's family, along with many others, were forcibly relocated to Dak Lak by the puppet regime, establishing the Quang Cu settlement. However, Mother Ly's eldest son, Ho Xuan Ly, escaped early and became a nurse at the Bac Tam Ky infirmary – a frontline infirmary located near the contested area of the Quang Nam battlefield. While performing his duty of treating wounded soldiers and protecting the infirmary, martyr Ho Xuan Ly tragically lost his life in that sacred land at the young age of 22.
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| Heroic Vietnamese Mother Tran Thi Ly in the loving embrace of her grandchildren. |
In the new land, Mother Ly's family continued to participate in the struggle to liberate the plantations. During the Tet Offensive of 1968, Mother Ly's husband, Ho Dat, was captured and executed by the enemy while fighting in the political arena. Then, in 1970-1971, the US-backed regime tightened its grip and raided the liberated plantations, and Mother Ly's family continued to suffer misfortune when three more children also perished in the H9 mountains due to bombing, starvation, and disease. It wasn't until 2004 that Mother Ly's family found the remains of martyr Ho Dat and brought them to the Krong Pac Martyrs' Cemetery. However, the remains of martyr Ho Xuan Ly and Mother Ly's seventh daughter have yet to be found…
According to information from the Department of Internal Affairs, there are 53 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers living with their children and grandchildren in Dak Lak province. All of them are elderly and frail, with many over 100 years old. Over the years, in fulfilling their filial duties, many agencies and businesses have undertaken the responsibility of caring for these Mothers, regularly visiting, encouraging, and supporting their families in caring for their material and spiritual well-being. |
Like Mother Ly, Heroic Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Xuan (Ia Rve commune) also carries many scars of war. Her husband, Nguyen Van Bi, and her son, Nguyen Thanh Hung, both participated in the resistance against the US and bravely sacrificed their lives. At 90 years old, Mother Xuan currently lives with her daughter's family in the windy border region. Although life is now peaceful, and her daughter's family and grandchildren lovingly care for her, her eyes still hold a distant, lingering sadness for her husband and son who perished in the war-torn land of coconut groves...
Responsibility and compassion
As July arrived, amidst the busy work of a newly established unit, the Command of Defense Zone 3 – Ea Súp still devoted its full affection and deep concern to Heroic Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Xuan. Despite having to travel over 50 km to Hamlet 10, Ia Rvê border commune, the visit to Mother by Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Dinh Cuong, Deputy Political Commissar of the Command of Defense Zone 3 – Ea Súp, and the delegation was still full of meaning and imbued with heartfelt affection.
In the cozy little house, Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Dinh Cuong held Mother Xuan's frail hands tightly, affectionately inquiring about her health and giving a brief report on the situation at his new unit, like a son confiding in his loving mother. This sincere concern was not only a responsibility but also a precious sentiment from the hearts of these soldiers.
Also showing great care and concern for Mother, the Ia Rvê Border Guard Post has been providing care for Mother Xuân since 2016. Every month, the unit sends officers and soldiers to visit and give gifts; they regularly pay attention to Mother's health, and work alongside the family to clean, clear bushes, and repair the house. Each small act, but full of human kindness, is a testament to their deep affection, helping Mother to live a more peaceful, happy, and healthy life.
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| Officers from the Regional Defense Command 3 – Ea Súp visited and presented gifts to Heroic Vietnamese Mother Nguyen Thi Xuan. |
For the officers and soldiers of the Provincial Police, the responsibility of caring for Heroic Vietnamese Mother Tran Thi Ly is a command from the heart. For the past eight years, these officers in green uniforms have made many visits to encourage Mother Ly and her family, sharing in some of the joys and sorrows of their lives. When the weather changes, Mother Ly also receives dedicated care and treatment from doctors at the Provincial Police Hospital, helping her overcome many illnesses of old age.
At 99 years old, Mother Ly no longer recognizes familiar faces. However, the handshakes and kind words of comfort from the police officers in their green uniforms seemed to alleviate some of the deep pain and loss in her heart. Lieutenant Colonel Ha Duc Thang, Deputy Team Leader of the Policy and Social Insurance Team, Personnel Department (Provincial Police), shared: “Every time we visit Mother, we understand and appreciate even more the value of peace , unity, and national independence. Taking care of Mother is not only an expression of gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations, but also a reminder for us police officers to continuously train and dedicate ourselves to continuing the mission of firmly protecting the security and defense of the Fatherland on its path of development today.”
Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202507/tri-an-nhung-nguoi-me-anh-hung-1ff0bc1/
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