Not-so-distant memories
Born in 1952 in a village by the Kien Giang River, in 1972, like countless young people answering the sacred call of the Fatherland, Nguyen Thanh Nam enlisted in the Le Thuy District Military Command; later, he joined the combat formation of the 341st Division (Military Region 4), and together with his comrades, crossed the Truong Son Mountains to the battlefield in Zone B.
In February 1975, the 341st Division marched into Front B2 (Southeast Vietnam), directly participating in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. In the first battle at Xuan Loc, Nguyen Thanh Nam, along with 14 soldiers, was part of one of two 85mm artillery batteries assigned by the division to coordinate close-range combat (300-400m) to open a "steel gate" for infantry forces to attack Xuan Loc. After 12 days and nights of victory at Xuan Loc, the batteries followed the division's artillery column into Ho Nai and Bien Hoa, contributing to the Great Victory of Spring 1975.
With a mixture of pride and emotion, veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam fondly recalled and expressed gratitude to those who fell for the Fatherland: "In the Battle of Xuan Loc, one of my comrades was killed. The entire squad silently watched our comrade lying peacefully under a thin tarp, our hearts heavy, but our resolve remained to charge forward to avenge our comrade and our homeland. At the very moment of the liberation of Saigon, we remembered our comrades who had forever remained on the battlefield. Some comrades sacrificed their lives on the morning of April 30th, before they could witness the moment of national liberation and reunification."
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| Veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam visits and presents gifts to families of Agent Orange victims - Photo: PV |
After the liberation of South Vietnam, in 1977-1978, young soldier Nguyen Thanh Nam participated in the Cambodian battlefield. He recalled: “It’s difficult to describe the hardships and ferocity of the battlefield, but it didn’t deter any of us. Unfortunately, after surviving only two battles in Ha Tien (Kien Giang), I was seriously wounded. After treatment at Can Tho Hospital, I was ordered to be transferred to the rear for recuperation.”
"Although my body was very weak at the time, and I was unable to continue accompanying my comrades, I have no regrets... I am proud that I contributed my small strength to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, liberating Saigon. If given the choice, I would still choose to go and defend our beloved homeland," veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam recalled his thoughts from nearly 50 years ago.
Shining brightly with the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers"
Leaving the military with his wounds, veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam gradually recovered his health and was transferred to work in the food industry. Throughout his career, this wounded soldier always strived to improve himself, participated in training in relevant specialties, and held many positions. After retiring in 2000, he did not rest but continued to work hard for the community...
As Chairman of the Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward, Phan Quang Dinh, respectfully introduced: Since his retirement, Comrade Nguyen Thanh Nam, despite his recurring old wounds and the need for treatment due to Agent Orange exposure, has always been deeply concerned for the well-being of others. With the trust of the local people, Comrade Nam willingly participated as a sub-district head and continued to serve as Chairman of the Association of Agent Orange Victims of Dong Hai Ward (formerly) until July 2025. In April 2026, he was appointed as the interim Chairman of the Association of People with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, and Child Rights Protection in Dong Hoi Ward, preparing for the upcoming congress in May 2026. Throughout nearly 25 years of social work, with simple yet compassionate actions, he has always shone with the qualities of a "Soldier of Uncle Ho" and "Love others as you love yourself."
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| Veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam was nicknamed "the cycling expert" by his comrades - Photo: H.Tr |
The head of the Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Tam residential area, Phan Thi Ngoc Lan, added: "Despite being over 70 years old and bearing the scars of war, veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam continues to work hard, develop his family's economy , and actively participate in activities of the residential area, associations, and social and charitable activities, showing gratitude and repaying kindness."
From his limited income, he allocated funds to buy parts and assembled 70 bicycles himself, which he donated to underprivileged students in the mountainous areas of Tuyen Hoa and Minh Hoa (formerly). In particular, with his empathy, kind heart, and warm feelings, he regularly helps victims of Agent Orange and families of war veterans facing difficulties, alleviating their suffering and reducing their burden of making a living.
"Every day, when things are temporarily settled with village and community work, with my disability and Agent Orange compensation, I ride my bicycle searching for used bicycle frames and new parts; I invest in some specialized equipment, such as a paint sprayer, disassembly and assembly tools... and assemble them into complete bicycles. Every time I finish a bicycle, my heart fills with joy. Because I think that another disadvantaged student will have a bicycle to go to school," shared veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam.
"The Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward is proud to have a member like Veteran Nguyen Thanh Nam. He has made contributions to the building of the Party and government at the grassroots level, actively participated in charitable work for social welfare, and contributed to beautifying the tradition and character of 'Uncle Ho's Soldiers'. The Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward will continue to propagate and incorporate into its ideological activities the shining example of a soldier in peacetime among its members," affirmed Phan Quang Dinh, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Dong Hoi Ward.
Huong Tra
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202604/ven-nguyen-niem-tu-hao-3177706/
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