More than half a century has passed, yet the memories of those heroic years remain vivid in the hearts of the soldiers who directly carried rifles to liberate the South and reunify the country, filled with an intense sense of pride.

The war has long since ended, but the memories of those valiant years and the bonds formed with comrades during the liberation remain etched in the mind of veteran Phạm Thanh Tịnh, former Chairman of the Veterans Association of Điện Biên Phủ city. He cannot hide his emotion when recalling the past, noting that the war in the South was incredibly fierce.

Witnessing the losses and suffering caused by the conflict, a profound sense of indignation rose within him, leading him to volunteer for the military in 1974. Despite the severe lack of resources and the hardships of the time, the spirit of the young soldiers remained vibrant, as they stood ready to go wherever the Fatherland required.

At that time, Phạm Thanh Tịnh served in Regiment 148, Division 316. After training in western Nghệ An, his unit marched to the Central Highlands to participate in key battles. In March 1975, he and his comrades contributed to the liberation of Buôn Ma Thuột, which created a vital strategic turning point. They then continued their advance toward Tây Ninh, overcoming Division 25 of the opposing forces to take control of Trảng Bàng.

By April 30, 1975, his unit coordinated with other forces to finally liberate Saigon. He recalls the Southern battlefield as a “cauldron of fire” where the boundary between life and death was often just a hair’s breadth away, yet their determination to defeat the enemy allowed them to endure every danger until the day of total victory.

Years have passed and life has seen many changes, but the milestone of April 30, 1975, remains an unfading emotional peak for veteran Nguyễn Xuân Quý of Điện Biên Phủ ward. His eyes soften when he remembers the fierce battles and the comrades who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him. He reflects on how the Southern battlefield was exceptionally arduous, as their forces were poorly equipped while facing an adversary with world-leading modern military potential. However, this never caused the soldiers to waver.

When the Hồ Chí Minh Campaign began, every soldier recognized it as the decisive strategic battle. Their fighting spirit soared, fueled by a boiling will to win and a deep-seated patriotism that propelled them forward toward a great national triumph. Nguyễn Xuân Quý was an artilleryman in Division 316, tasked with operating a 120mm mortar alongside five comrades. He vividly recalls the moment his unit was only about 20km from the Independence Palace when they received the news of victory. The joy was overwhelming and indescribable as they embraced one another in tears. Yet, amidst that joy was a heavy sense of grief, knowing that so many comrades had fallen so that the Fatherland could be independent and the people could live in peace and freedom.

Nguyễn Xuân Quý also carries a physical reminder of the front lines: a bullet wound to his head that still aches whenever the weather changes. He considers himself fortunate to have returned to his family and to witness a reunified nation, while so many of his fellow soldiers remain forever on the battlefield. Today, amidst the rhythm of a peaceful life, these veterans maintain a strong bond through meetings and phone calls, revisiting the memories of a youth spent in sacrifice. Each story told is not just a personal memory but a testament to a generation that fought wholeheartedly for the independence and peace the country enjoys today.