A complete expression of gratitude.

Listen to the story from those involved.

Born and raised in a family with a rich revolutionary tradition, Ms. Truong Thi My Hanh - Head of the Southern Representative Office of the Vietnam Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs (the Office) - understands better than anyone the loss, suffering of war, and the emotional trauma inflicted on those left behind.

During the discussion, she shared many touching stories about her family and the meaningful work the Office is doing.

Through this discussion, we help today's generation appreciate the past, be grateful for the present, and create a better future.

Ms. Hanh recounted: “During the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, the Truong family had 31 members recognized as martyrs and 9 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers. The older generation sacrificed themselves, and the younger generation continued to leave their families to participate in the resistance, fighting for independence and freedom for their homeland and nation. Only those who experienced it firsthand truly understand the suffering of the families. Therefore, I always dedicate all my efforts to supporting the families of martyrs.”

Over the years, the Office has assisted in approximately 50,000 cases of searching for and relocating the remains of fallen soldiers to cemeteries or bringing them back to their hometowns; built and donated 1,300 houses of gratitude; conducted DNA testing for 1,000 fallen soldiers and their relatives, including 500 accurate cases; and presented savings accounts and gifts to policy beneficiary families, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, etc. The total cost of these activities is nearly 180 billion VND from social contributions.

As one of many families who received support in exhuming the remains of fallen soldiers and bringing them back to their hometowns for burial, Mr. Nguyen Van Binh (from Ha Tinh province) called the program to share his joy.

He said, “My brother, Nguyen Tien Binh, was a martyr who died in 1978 during the war to defend the southwestern border. Many times I intended to bring him back to his hometown for burial, but my family's circumstances didn't allow it. Fortunately, the Office provided financial assistance and assistance with the procedures for exhuming his remains and bringing them back home. Now, my emotions are hard to describe; I can only express my gratitude to the Office and Ms. Truong Thi My Hanh.”

The flame of gratitude will burn brightly forever.

The heartfelt stories shared by Ms. Truong Thi My Hanh and Mr. Nguyen Van Binh at the seminar helped today's generation deeply understand a part of the pain and loss suffered by these families. This further confirms:

The war is over, and the physical wounds have healed with time, but the emotional scars and heartaches of those left behind remain. To partially compensate for these losses and sacrifices, the Party, the State, and the People always uphold the tradition of "Remembering the source when drinking water" and "Showing gratitude and repaying kindness."

Deputy Director of the Department of Internal Affairs, Dang Ngoc Tao, shared: “Showing gratitude to policy beneficiary families and those who have rendered meritorious services is not only a responsibility but also a command from the heart. Over the past time, the province has carried out many practical activities to care for policy beneficiary families and those who have rendered meritorious services, both materially and spiritually, such as: building and repairing houses of gratitude; visiting and giving gifts during holidays and Tet; and the journey to search for and collect the remains of martyrs in Cambodia… In 2024 alone, Long An province (formerly) launched a savings movement, mobilized social resources, and from contributions by officials, civil servants, and workers, supported the construction and repair of 272 houses of gratitude with a total amount of over 15 billion VND. In addition, implementing Decision No. 21/2024/QD-TTg, dated November 22, 2024, of the Prime Minister on supporting the construction of new houses or the renovation and repair of houses for those who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution and their relatives.” "In Long An province, 241 houses of gratitude have been built and renovated with a total cost of over 25 billion VND."

Showing gratitude and repaying kindness is an ongoing activity with no end point. Today's young generation will continue and develop the tradition of "drinking water and remembering the source" with more practical and meaningful activities.

At the seminar, Provincial Youth Union Secretary Tran Hai Phu shared about many practical activities and the sentiments of today's generation towards heroes, martyrs, policy beneficiary families, and those who have contributed to the revolution: “On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2025), the Youth Union at all levels has carried out more than 800 visits to Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, war invalids, sick soldiers, and policy beneficiary families. In particular, the youth of Tay Ninh organized 102 family reunion meals at policy beneficiary families, creating a warm and close-knit atmosphere; organized more than 110 activities providing free medical examinations and medicine to 900 people who have contributed to the revolution and policy beneficiary families... These meaningful projects and activities have contributed to fostering, nurturing, and cultivating love for the homeland, national pride, and the responsibility of young people in the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland.”

Many sons and daughters of Tay Ninh, along with the rest of the country, have written glorious chapters in the nation's history in the struggle to defend the homeland. However, Tay Ninh has also suffered many losses and sacrifices as a result.

Guided by the principle of "Drinking water, remember the source," doing a good job of "Showing gratitude and repaying kindness" is the most heartfelt and meaningful way for today's generation to express their gratitude.

Le Ngoc

Source: https://baolongan.vn/ven-nghia-tri-an-a199609.html