The political system is also "rising to the top".

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, along the more than 213km long border of Thanh Hoa province, the spring atmosphere has knocked on every door. From the windy peaks of Muong Lat to the waves lapping against the boats at Hoang Thanh estuary, everywhere is vibrant with the red of the national flag and the green of the Border Guard's uniforms.

A new feature in this year's Tet (Lunar New Year) preparations is the strong and coordinated efforts of the entire political system. No longer isolated activities, social welfare work in border areas has become a large-scale "campaign." In border communes such as Quang Chieu, Muong Chanh, Na Meo, and Yen Khuong, convoys of vehicles carrying Tet goods lined up, crossing mountain passes and streams. This is the result of close coordination between the Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard Command and local Party committees, authorities, and partner units such as the Thanh Hoa Provincial Department of Justice, Agribank , An Duong Production and Import-Export Company Limited, Mai Huong Volunteer Group... along with dozens of businesses and philanthropists inside and outside the province.

Border guards and local people are making banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) together at the "Spring Border Guard Program: Warming the Hearts of the People" in the Spring of the Year of the Horse 2026.

Over 4,000 gift packages, totaling more than 3 billion VND, have been mobilized to date, demonstrating the spirit of "the whole country for the border region." In Cum village, Muong Chanh commune, Mr. Ha Van Chung, a respected village elder, emotionally said: "This Tet holiday, the villagers have welcomed many visiting delegations. From provincial and commune officials to businesses from the lowlands, everyone brought warm feelings and practical, meaningful concern. With the Party, the Army, and various departments and organizations, the people have had a fulfilling and complete Tet holiday."

This collaborative effort goes beyond simply providing gifts. It also includes the mountain-crossing journeys of Hac Thanh ward and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Department of Justice, delivering bicycles to impoverished students; and the participation of volunteer doctors and nurses providing free medical examinations and medication to thousands of people. Most notably, international solidarity is further illuminated by meaningful gifts presented to the border guards of neighboring Laos, affirming the spirit of friendship and cooperation in maintaining a peaceful, stable, and prosperous border.

A bridge of trust and responsibility.

In that vibrant springtime landscape, the image of border guards emerges as a steadfast pillar, a "conductor" coordinating the melodies of compassion and solidarity. With the motto "The outpost is our home, the border is our homeland, and the people of all ethnic groups are our brothers and sisters," the officers and soldiers of the Thanh Hoa Border Guard have proactively fulfilled their role in connecting and ensuring that all support resources reach the right people, at the right time, and according to their needs.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Trong Dat, Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard Command, shared: “We don't replace the government, but we understand the people best. Each officer stationed in the villages must thoroughly understand each situation: which families lack rice, which children lack warm clothes, and which families receiving preferential treatment need to be shown gratitude. From there, we advise the local authorities and act as a reliable bridge so that philanthropists can place their full trust in us.”

It is precisely because of this close attention that the "Zero-Cost Stalls" in the courtyard of the Quang Chieu Border Guard Post are so bustling and practical. Every kilogram of rice, liter of cooking oil, or warm blanket is carefully selected by the soldiers. In Tam Chung commune, the program has allocated 38 special support packages for children in the "Helping Children Go to School - Children Adopted by Border Guard Posts" program, totaling 180 million VND. Vi Thi Hoa (7th grade, Quang Chieu Secondary School) confided: "Thanks to the soldiers, I have more motivation to continue going to school. This Tet, I have new clothes and new books to prepare for the next semester." Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quang Huy, Deputy Political Officer of the Quang Chieu Border Guard Post, has nearly 10 years of experience "stationed in the village." He knows the names of every poor household and understands the circumstances of each child. "Having lived with the people for so long, I consider this village my home. When Tet comes, I only hope that the villagers have a prosperous life, can work with peace of mind, and work together with the soldiers to maintain the border," he shared.

Spring arrives early not only on land borders but also in coastal border areas. In Hoang Tien and Hoang Thanh communes, and Tinh Gia ward, meaningful gifts have brought smiles to poor families living along the coast. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Sanh from Hoang Tien commune hugged her Tet gift, her face beaming with joy. For her, the gift is not only of material value but also represents the recognition, care, and sharing of the Army towards the people who are working day and night at sea, contributing to the protection of maritime sovereignty and islands.

Colonel Nguyen Van Dong, Deputy Political Commissar of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Border Guard Command, affirmed: Taking care of the people during Tet is not simply a social welfare activity, but a political task, a profound expression of gratitude to our compatriots. When the people's support is strengthened by genuine affection and real responsibility, the border will become a steel fortress.

The Spring of the Year of the Horse is approaching. Amidst the sounds of the Hmong, Thai, and Khmu ethnic groups' flutes and dances, the officers and soldiers of the Border Guard are joining forces and working together. Spring in Thanh Hoa's border region arrives early, not because of the passage of time, but because of the human connection and the bond between the military and the people, which has blended and crystallized into a powerful force to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/xuan-som-vung-bien-1024713