Proud of officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy

With outstanding achievements in combat, the Vietnam People's Navy has twice been awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the Party and the State and many other noble awards. After completing their missions and returning home, the Ha Nam Navy veterans continue to promote the traditional qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers", taking the lead on all fronts, contributing to the construction of an increasingly innovative homeland.

Talking about the glorious time of the heroic Vietnam People's Navy, the Navy veterans of Ha Nam province could not help but be moved. Remembering the years they lived and fought on the seas and islands of the Fatherland, many veterans who have now reached a rare age still retain the will of Uncle Ho's soldiers. Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Ninh, Chairman of the Navy Tradition Association of Ha Nam province, said: 70 years ago (May 7, 1955), the Ministry of National Defense issued Decree No. 284/ND-A establishing the Coastal Defense Department under the Ministry - the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Navy. This is an important milestone marking the formation of a regular, elite, modern Navy, the core in the task of protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

In response to the assigned tasks, one of the urgent requirements at that time was to quickly complete the organization, build infrastructure, and supplement forces to improve the ability to protect and manage maritime sovereignty . On January 24, 1959, the Navy Department was established to replace the Coastal Defense Department. The Navy Department's mission was to manage military ports, protect the Northern sea area in peacetime, and coordinate with local armed forces and branches to fight in wartime. Entering the period of 1960-1964, the navy both built bases and forces and transported support to the Southern battlefield, achieving the first victory on August 2 and 5, 1964, marking the resounding achievements of the People's Navy in the war against invaders.

According to Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Ninh, participating in the great resistance war against the US to save the country, the Vietnam People's Navy together with the army and people of the whole country overcame countless difficulties, hardships, fought fiercely and bravely, contributing to defeating the US imperialists' war of destruction in the North, completely liberating the South, and unifying the country. During the 1975 Spring Campaign, the Vietnam People's Navy mobilized the maximum force of combat and transport ships to bring nearly 4,000 officers and soldiers to fight and serve in combat, transporting artillery, tanks, and weapons of all kinds from the Northern rear to the Southern battlefield. The Ho Chi Minh Campaign ended in glorious victory, the country was united. The Vietnamese revolution entered a new period. The Navy and the army and people of the whole country entered the period of building and defending the Fatherland; carrying out the task of protecting the sea, performing international duties in Cambodia (1979 - 1989) and helping the Revolutionary Party and the people of Lao tribes...

The Provincial Navy Traditional Association supported house repairs for the family of member Nguyen Ngoc Xuyen (sitting wearing a hat) in Vu Ban commune (Binh Luc).

After 70 years of building, fighting, winning and growing up, generations of naval officers and soldiers have achieved many outstanding and especially outstanding feats, contributing to the cause of fighting the US, saving the country and building and defending the Fatherland. Sharing about his military career, veteran Nguyen Trong Loan, Thanh Huong commune, Thanh Liem district expressed: As a naval soldier, having spent many years on duty on the sea and islands, participating in building and protecting the sea and islands of the Fatherland, I understand the sacrifices and losses in blood and bones of my compatriots and comrades. Among them are my own relatives. In his military career, what is deeply engraved in his mind are the times he transported troops and food supplies in the sea and islands of the Fatherland and performed international missions in Cambodia. On his return trips from Cambodia, there were ships that brought many martyrs back to the mainland. He also could not know that perhaps among them was his younger brother who had sacrificed himself in the fierce battlefield of Cambodia and that he had brought him back. It was only later that he was informed by his comrades that his younger brother had sacrificed himself that he was surprised. After peace, he went to find his brother's grave and learned that the martyr was buried in the Martyrs' Cemetery of Tay Ninh Province. Now the martyr's grave has been gathered by his family to his hometown.

Worthily contributing to the contributions and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, the former naval soldiers who have now returned to civilian life always unite together to build the association with the motto: "Solidarity - Affection - Teamwork", building the heroic tradition of the Vietnam People's Navy. The provincial Navy Tradition Association has attracted 363 members to participate in its activities. The naval soldiers have actively promoted propaganda and mobilized cadres, members and people to strictly comply with the policies, laws of the Party, the State and local regulations, while proactively, positively and effectively maintaining charitable activities.

Therefore, many families of members have been cared for and supported to overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives. Over the past 5 years, the association has visited and presented gifts to 290 members. Association bases have organized longevity celebrations for nearly 20 elderly officials and members. In particular, the association has coordinated and sought the attention of Navy units to support the construction of 10 gratitude houses (of which 7 have been handed over, 3 are being gradually completed) for families of war invalids and martyrs, 1 solidarity house and supported the repair of houses for 01 family in difficult circumstances; presented gifts of 5 million VND/case to 5 families of former officials and soldiers who worked in the Truong Sa archipelago, which still faces many difficulties...

In addition, the association also actively supports local humanitarian funds with an average of 5 million VND/year; supports people in the northern provinces affected by storm No. 3 in 2024 with an average of 10 million VND per association. Cadres and members of the Provincial Navy Tradition Association actively participate in local political tasks; enthusiastically take the lead in the programs "Building new rural areas", "Building civilized neighborhoods"; help each other in developing family economy, building cultural families, etc.

Promoting the heroic tradition, the Navy veterans of Ha Nam province always strive to compete in labor, production, building a prosperous and happy family life, contributing their intelligence and strength to build an increasingly rich and civilized homeland. In particular, the charitable deeds of the Navy Tradition Association of Ha Nam province continue to enhance the noble qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the new era, setting a shining example for the younger generations to learn and follow.

Phuong Dung

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/xa-hoi/tu-hao-can-bo-chien-si-hai-quan-nhan-dan-viet-nam-160587.html