Though the ceremony for the 50th snniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day, organized by the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, Provincial People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province, officially began at 8:30a.m., the hall at the provincial Cultural Conference Center was already filled an hour earlier. Nearly 260 delegates, including former soldiers, police officers, and young volunteers who contributed to the victory of the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975, were present. Many veterans, now elderly, with slow steps, arrived early to reunite with their comrades and reminisce about the hard days of fighting for independence and victory.

Reuniting with their comrades, the veterans, former police officers, and young volunteers were all excited, smiling, and eagerly chatting. They shared stories of the passionate times they fought together. But what made them the happiest was the tribute from today’s generation to those who devoted their youth to building and protecting the beautiful homeland.

Veteran Vương Quốc Hùng, from Thanh Hưng commune (Điện Biên district), was moved when attending the ceremony: “We are happy that the levels of government always show special care for us. This shows the long-standing precious tradition of our nation, a nation of unity and love for peace.”

For veteran Nguyễn Xuân Quý, from Thanh Trường ward (Điện Biên Phủ city), every time he is visited or encouraged, the memories of the war and the proud history of the nation flood back. “Today is a special day for me and my comrades. I always teach my children and grandchildren and hope that today’s generation must preserve and cherish history, as today’s life is a result of the sacrifices made by our ancestors.”

In addition to giving gifts, visiting veterans during holidays and major political events of the province and the country, over the years, various levels of government, especially the Provincial Veterans Association, have always paid attention to and supported comrades to ensure a stable life. Each year, thousands of gifts are given to veterans, those who sacrificed their blood and bones for the country.

The provincial Veterans’ Association has actively connected and called for support from philanthropists to build gratitude houses and provide production materials (such as fish, cattle, buffalo) to veterans, war invalids, and those in difficult circumstances, totaling billions of VND. One example is veteran Lù Văn Thường in Ward 1, Sông Đà commune, Mường Lay town. He participated in the resistance against the Americans. Facing family hardships and having to support his grandchildren, in 2018, Lù Văn Thường received support from the Provincial Veterans Association through the Thiện Tâm Fund of Vingroup to receive a pair of breeding cattle worth VND 30 million. After years of care, the pair of cattle is now producing well, providing a stable income for the family.

“The deep affection from my comrades and philanthropists warms my heart. This is the motivation for me to stay strong in life, continue to teach my children and grandchildren the revolutionary traditions,” said Lù Văn Thường with excitement.

Senior Colonel Lê Tiến Lâm, Vice President of the provincial Veterans’ Association, shared that out of nearly 19,000 veterans in the province, 12% are in difficult circumstances, including some who participated in the resistance against the Americans. For many years, the association has worked with various sectors to provide social benefits and support to comrades. In terms of housing, from 2024 onwards, three veterans who participated in the liberation of the South have been supported with funds to build houses, including CCB Hà Minh Hiền in Tủa Chùa town (Tủa Chùa district), Lò Văn Inh in Pú Hồng commune (Điện Biên Đông district), and another veteran in Mường Ảng district.

In response to the attention from the Party, State, and society, many veterans have overcome difficulties and developed their economy, serving as shining examples of perseverance and willpower. A notable example is veteran Lò Ngọc Ánh, from Mường Luân commune (Điện Biên Đông district). After leaving the army in 1985, veteran Lò Ngọc Ánh worked in social activities in Mường Luân commune. In 1999, with his savings, he bought nearly 10 pairs of cattle, buffalo, and goats. He also took advantage of his large garden to grow fruit trees (such as oranges, lychees, dragon fruit, and bananas) and started a business, creating a new path for poverty reduction.

With determination and resilience, today, veteran Lò Ngọc Ánh’s family owns over 50 cattle, and income from selling cattle, fruit, and other services generates over VND 200 million annually.

Similarly, veteran Lò Văn Diên, from Lịch Cang hamlet, Nặm Lịch commune (Mường Ảng district), was severely wounded in a battle with the Americans in 1971, losing his right leg. Despite returning with an impaired body, he remained determined, always telling himself that “difficulties should not deter me from moving forward.” He invested in livestock farming, land reclamation, coffee planting, and forestation. After years of hard work, his family now owns over 2 hectares of coffee, more than 1 hectare of forest, and well-developed livestock, earning over VND 150 million annually.

Thanks to their efforts and the support of the political system, veterans' lives, in general, and those who made significant contributions to the Spring Victory of 1975, are now stable and prosperous. Over the past 50 years, Điện Biên and the entire country have been changing every day. With all due respect and gratitude, all levels of government and society have continued to carry on the national tradition of “remembering the source when drinking water,” always caring for both the material and spiritual needs of the previous generation - those who sacrificed their youth and blood for the peace we enjoy today.