When the government decided to build the Bac Hung Hai large-scale irrigation project, due to the lack of machinery at the time, it was necessary to mobilize the strength of the entire population. Responding to the call of the Party and the State, village woman Pham Thi Vach actively worked day and night on the construction site as the Deputy Head of the Hung Cuong Commune Militia. Sometimes using a carrying pole, other times pulling an ox cart, Pham Thi Vach transported hundreds of cubic meters of earth, stones, and construction materials for the project. Pham Thi Vach was recognized as a "Master" on the Bac Hung Hai construction site and was elected as an Emulation Soldier for two consecutive years.

Hero of Labor Pham Thi Vach (second from the right) during her meeting with President Ho Chi Minh at the 3rd National Congress of Heroes and Emulation Fighters in 1962. (Archival photo)

In 1961, President Ho Chi Minh visited Hung Yen and attended a conference summarizing irrigation work throughout the North. That day, after hearing a report on the local irrigation achievements, he inquired about exemplary women and urged provincial leaders to pay attention to and encourage them. Following an introduction from the Provincial Party Secretary, Pham Thi Vach was proud to meet and listen to President Ho Chi Minh speak. “I still remember that day when he smiled so brightly. Perhaps seeing that I was over 20 years old but small and childlike, he affectionately called me ‘little Vach.’ Even more surprisingly and joyfully, at the conference, he decided to award me his badge. When he called me up to receive it, I was so moved that my legs trembled. When he presented the badge, I remember him telling me that even though I had worked and studied well, I still had to do even better, to be close to the people, listen to them, and learn from them to progress,” Heroine Pham Thi Vach recounted.

With outstanding achievements in the irrigation movement during the period 1958-1962, Pham Thi Vach was honored to be a delegate to the 3rd National Congress of Heroes and Emulation Fighters in 1962, when she was just over 20 years old. At the congress, Pham Thi Vach was awarded the title of Hero of Labor.

In 1969, upon hearing that Uncle Ho was ill, a delegation from Hung Yen, including "Little Vach," requested permission to visit him. That day, despite his fatigue, Uncle Ho still stood up, personally poured water for the delegation, and urged everyone to take care of their health to continue their work. Ms. Vach recalled: "Hearing Uncle Ho's words, everyone in the delegation was deeply moved. We felt sorry for and worried about him, but we tried to hold back our tears for fear of upsetting him. As for me, hearing his words of advice once again made me even more determined to study and strive in my work."

Remembering President Ho Chi Minh's advice, Heroine Pham Thi Vach decided to pursue further education and rose through the ranks in various positions, serving as the head of the cooperative, then the chairman of the People's Committee, and the Party Secretary of Hung Cuong commune. Pham Thi Vach continuously served as a National Assembly representative for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th terms until her retirement.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/tu-loi-can-dan-cua-bac-ho-1015495