Among those who embody the spirit of the generation that “marched along the Trường Sơn Trail to save the country” is veteran Nguyễn Hữu Tình (born in 1953), residing in Mường Thanh ward, Điện Biên Phủ city. In 1971, then a student at the University of Finance, Mr. Tình put aside his academic ambitions and volunteered for the southern battlefield. Assigned to Company 12, Battalion 3, Regiment 28, Division 10 of the Tây Nguyên Corps, he and his comrades fought in several fierce campaigns, including the decisive battle at Buôn Ma Thuột, which marked the beginning of the historic Hồ Chí Minh Campaign.

Reflecting on that time, his voice trembles slightly: “I vividly remember April 29, 1975, our unit advanced rapidly into Củ Chi Tunnels. By the next morning, we had joined the liberation of Tân Sơn Nhất Airport and the General Staff headquarters of the Sài Gòn regime. Words cannot describe the pride and joy we felt when the nation was declared reunified.” After the war, Tình resumed his studies and graduated in 1978, starting a new chapter, contributing to the reconstruction of his homeland.

True to the spirit of a soldier of Uncle Hồ, Tình began working at the Lai Châu provincial Department of Finance in 1982 and later at the Finance Office of Tuần Giáo district. Recognized for his dedication and capability, he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chairman of the Tuần Giáo district People’s Committee until his retirement in 2011. Regardless of position, he remained committed to public service, embodying the integrity and humility of a veteran devoted to the people.

“A soldier does not stop serving after the war ends,” he said. “The spirit of Uncle Hồ’s Soldiers is not only about bravery but also about being responsible, living simply, and staying close to the people.” Even in retirement, Tình remains active in community work, inspiring the youth and promoting unity as Điện Biên continues to modernize and develop.

Veteran Hoàng Ngọc Thành, who also participated in 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising, is another shining example of resilience. Despite injuries sustained during the war, he has remained a pillar of his community in Thanh Trường ward, Điện Biên Phủ city, leading various local initiatives.

“We are grateful for the Party and local authorities who support wounded veterans and policy families in both material and emotional ways,” Thành shared. “That encouragement gives us the strength to continue living purposefully and passing down the values of our people.”

In this land once ravaged by conflict, these former soldiers are quietly contributing to progress. They serve as models of civic duty, upholding policies and laws, and leading movements such as “Exemplary Veterans,” “Building New Countryside and Civilized Urban Areas,” and “All People Protect National Security.” Many continue to educate the next generation on patriotism and revolutionary traditions while speaking out against negativity and ideological degradation, helping to preserve the integrity of local governance.

Whether in war or peace, the spirit of Uncle Hồ’s Soldiers continues to shine. Back in civilian life, many veterans actively participate in economic development. Across the province, there are now 42 veteran-run businesses, 12 cooperatives, and 662 profitable farm models. Between 2019 and 2024, 350 veteran households escaped poverty, reducing the poverty rate among veterans to 10% and increasing the proportion of well-off households to 42%. In some grassroots veterans’ associations, all member households are now above the poverty line.

Điện Biên is rapidly transforming. New roads, schools, and upgraded infrastructure are improving the quality of life for residents. Behind this progress is the silent, enduring contribution of veterans who continue to serve with the same devotion they once showed on the battlefield, now channeled into building a strong, modern province.

Though the scars of war may fade, the patriotism, selflessness, and sense of responsibility of these former soldiers will always light the way for future generations. They are living symbols of Vietnam’s development dream: A peaceful, powerful, and prosperous nation built on the sacrifices of those who came before.