On a hot April day, more than 100 Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline laborers who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu campaign from 6 provinces and cities: Son La, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Hanoi , and Ho Chi Minh City returned to visit the old battlefield with soldiers living in Dien Bien. The elders returned to Dien Bien to attend a meeting and show gratitude to Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline laborers who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
Many people joked that this return trip was even more difficult than 70 years ago when the elders dragged the artillery into the battlefield, because the young men who were full of enthusiasm back then were all old and weak. However, the elders still hoped and tried to make the trip meaningful, which could be the last time they returned to this distant old battlefield.
The representative of the Son La Provincial Fatherland Front Committee - who directly led the delegation to Dien Bien , said: “When they learned about the program to Dien Bien, the Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline laborers currently living in the area were all very happy and wanted to participate. However, due to their old age, to ensure the long journey, the province made a list of more than 40 people. The elders were looking forward to it, but near the departure date, their health did not allow it, so the list was reduced to more than 30 members. On the departure day, some people with high blood pressure could not participate, so the delegation had 28 men who went to Dien Bien.”
Stopping at the historical land, the men chatted animatedly, rarely having such a large gathering. Dien Bien soldier Mui Van Seng is the oldest member of the Son La province delegation. He is 98 years old this year. Relaxing after the trip, he shared: “The journey was a bit tiring, but when I got to Dien Bien, seeing the changes and beauty like this, I felt healthier. Thinking that I would soon meet my comrades from different provinces, and visit and burn incense for my comrades who died in this land, I no longer felt tired, I just hope the activities will take place quickly so that we can meet again.”
With that wish, on the afternoon of April 16, most of the Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline workers from the provinces who were present in Dien Bien joined the incense offering delegation and visited the A1 Martyrs Cemetery - the resting place of 644 cadres and soldiers who died in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Dien Bien soldier Le Van Nhan (currently living in Hanoi) cried when he went to burn incense for his comrades. He personally went to each grave, wiped away his tears, lit incense sticks for his comrades who had volunteered to go to the battlefield and whispered, "I'm back to visit you, comrades." Choking with emotion, Mr. Nhan shared: “Feeling sorry for my comrades who have fallen on this land, I am so moved that I cannot hold back my tears. I hope my comrades rest in peace, those who remain and the next generation have, are and will take responsibility for the unfinished work. The Dien Bien Phu campaign was so heroic, majestic and great. At this age, I am still able to return here, recall old memories, meet my old comrades and brothers who fought and sacrificed heroically, I am very happy and satisfied.”
That is also the sharing of most of the Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline laborers returning to Dien Bien on this historic day, preparing for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. Reuniting with them is not only to meet those who were on the same front, together dedicating their youth to gain independence and freedom for the nation, but also to visit and personally burn incense for their comrades who sacrificed their lives, staying on the motherland for the Fatherland to be forever green...
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