After the floods, Muong Xen commune in Nghe An province suffered heavy losses. During those difficult days, the image of soldiers in combat uniforms, their feet covered in mud, silently accompanying the people in overcoming the consequences of the natural disaster, became a strong source of moral support, like silent but resilient landmarks amidst the raging floodwaters. The moment of farewell as the soldiers returned to their units fully reflected the affection the people here had for them.
Immediately after the floods, officers and soldiers of Regiment 764, Nghe An Provincial Military Command, and Regiment 1, Division 324, Military Region 4 , were present from the very beginning. Without hesitation, they went to each isolated village, working alongside the people to clear mud, unclog drains, and rebuild houses damaged by the storm. Despite the unpredictable weather, treacherous terrain, and makeshift living conditions, they never complained.
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| From early morning, a large number of local people gathered to bid farewell to the soldiers. |
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| Local government and people representatives presented flowers to the units before they returned to their posts. |
The soldiers' contributions were met with warm appreciation from the people. Not through empty slogans or lengthy, polished documents, but through steaming boiled corn, carefully saved bottles of water, warm loaves of bread... and small stories filled with human kindness.
Take the story of Major Nguyen Van Nhat, a staff member of the Political Department, Regiment 764. When he unfortunately dropped his phone into the river, he stopped at a shop to rent one for use during his time on duty in Muong Xen. The shop owner readily and happily lent him one without charging a single penny: “You soldiers have worked hard for the people, so I’m contributing a small token of my appreciation. Consider it a way for the local people to thank the soldiers,” his words were gentle, but full of heartfelt gratitude.
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| Warm hugs before saying goodbye. |
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| Those firm handshakes conveyed everything. |
After days of battling natural disasters together, a strong, close bond, like that of family, had formed between the soldiers and the people of Muong Xen. Therefore, the day of withdrawal, which should have been the closing of a mission, became a moment of poignant and emotional farewell that brought tears to their eyes.
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| These gifts are filled with the heartfelt sentiments of the people. |
From early morning, large crowds of people came out to see the soldiers off. Under the thin mist, on the newly cleared roads, every gaze followed, every firm handshake, every word of advice seemed to hold back the soldiers' steps. Some children ran after the convoy, waving incessantly; some elderly people stood silently by the roadside, tears welling up in their eyes.
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| The troops had passed, but the people still stood watching... |
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huong (75 years old), residing in Block 5, Muong Xen commune, despite her advanced age and frail health, stood there leaning on her cane since morning. Her voice trembling, she said: “I have nothing to offer but gratitude. Now that you’re gone, I feel so empty and sad.” A quiet sadness, yet one that permeates the hearts of those left behind.
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| The delegation bid farewell to the comrades at the Command of Defense Zone 4 (Nghe An). |
In his farewell speech, Comrade Nguyen Viet Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Muong Xen commune, choked up as he said: “The image of the soldiers working day and night in the rain and sun, not afraid of difficulties and hardships while participating in overcoming the consequences of typhoon No. 3 with the people; or the hurried meals in people's homes covered in mud and dust… has left a deep impression on the Party Committee, the government, and the people of Muong Xen commune. Although today you are temporarily leaving Muong Xen to continue taking on new tasks, the feelings you have shown to the people of our commune will always be cherished and treasured by us.”
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| The troops moved further and further away, but the people continued to stand and watch them go. |
After the days of heavy rain and flooding passed, Muong Xen gradually revived. But that deep bond between the soldiers and the people will remain, not only in memory, but also in every sincere act of sharing. Because in times of hardship, human kindness never fades. The soldiers are gone, but the affection remains here, like a gentle echo in the mountains of western Nghe An province...!
Text and photos: LE ANH TAN
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Source: https://baolamdong.vn/xuc-dong-ngay-chia-tay-bo-doi-cuu-nan-o-xa-muong-xen-tinh-nghe-an-386251.html
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