Honoring the past, boosting gratitude activities

ĐBP - Upholding the Vietnamese tradition of “remembering the source when drinking water” and “repaying the debt of gratitude,” the Party, the State, and Party committees and authorities at all levels in Điện Biên have consistently implemented policies and benefits for war invalids, sick veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and people who rendered meritorious service to the revolution.

These practical acts of care have not only improved the well-being of beneficiaries but also strengthened the nation’s enduring tradition of gratitude and spread its values throughout the community.

Although advanced in age, Điện Biên veteran Phạm Bá Miều, who now lives in Chiến Thắng residential quarter, Điện Biên Phủ ward, continues to embody the optimism and composure of a soldier. Having fought in the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign in 1954, he and his comrades took part in fierce battles that contributed to the historic victory. After the war, he returned to civilian life carrying vivid memories of those difficult years and a deep sense of pride in serving the nation.

For him, the regular visits and encouragement from local Party committees and authorities, especially during national holidays, Lunar New Year, and War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27), represent more than thoughtful gestures. They are a profound expression of Vietnam’s enduring tradition of remembering those who sacrificed for the country.

Veteran Phạm Bá Miều shared: “Soldiers like us were always prepared to sacrifice for the nation. What we hope most is that today’s and future generations will always cherish the value of independence and freedom. Every visit and word of encouragement from authorities reminds me that the contributions of our generation have never been forgotten.”

Veterans and local residents pay tribute to fallen heroes at the A1 National Martyrs Cemetery.

At the age of 96, Điện Biên veteran Bùi Kim Điều sometimes struggles with fading memories, yet he still deeply feels the care and respect shown by authorities at all levels and by today’s generation toward the soldiers who fought in the resistance war against the French and helped achieve the historic 1954 victory that “resounded across the five continents and shook the world.” Living peacefully with his children and grandchildren, he constantly reminds younger family members to appreciate the sacrifices of previous generations, preserve the revolutionary tradition, and live with compassion and responsibility toward the community.

Recalling those years, veteran Bùi Kim Điều said emotionally: “I fought alongside my comrades and contributed to the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. Today, I am fortunate to spend peaceful days with my family. The memories of those years in uniform have never faded, and the care shown by authorities and today’s generation warms our hearts and strengthens our faith in the values of gratitude and solidarity that define our nation.”

Behind every tribute activity lies a heartfelt story of compassion and responsibility toward people who rendered meritorious service and the families of fallen soldiers.

In Co Có village, Búng Lao commune, Lò Thị Bánh, the younger sister of martyr Lò Văn Thâng, is responsible for maintaining her brother’s ancestral altar. For her, caring for his memorial and honoring his memory is a sacred responsibility, inseparable from her family’s identity.

She said that the care provided by the Party, the State, and local authorities for families maintaining martyrs’ ancestral worship has remained consistent over the years. During national holidays and commemorative occasions, her family regularly receives visits and support, reflecting the nation’s deep gratitude toward those who sacrificed their lives and its appreciation for families who continue to fulfill this sacred responsibility.

The province currently maintains more than 16,000 records of people with meritorious service to the revolution and their relatives, including nearly 1,200 individuals receiving monthly allowances.

Driven by a profound sense of responsibility and gratitude, Party committees and local authorities at all levels have implemented numerous practical initiatives over the years to improve both the material and spiritual well-being of war invalids, sick veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and people with meritorious service. These initiatives include presenting savings books, organizing visits and gift-giving during holidays, building gratitude houses, and awarding thousands of scholarships to children from beneficiary families.

In addition to fully and promptly implementing the Party’s and the State’s policies, local authorities have mobilized and connected organizations, individuals, and businesses both inside and outside the province to support beneficiaries through visits, gifts, financial assistance, and free medical examinations and treatment, with total contributions amounting to tens of billions of Vietnamese đồng each year.

Major General Lưu Trọng Lư, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province and Chairman of the Veterans’ Association of the province, emphasized: “Throughout every stage of the revolutionary struggle and the country’s development, the Party, the State, and authorities at all levels have always regarded the movement of repaying the debt of gratitude as a priority. It has been carried out with great responsibility and heartfelt appreciation as a long-term political mission. Many sound and effective policies have been introduced and implemented in a coordinated manner, improving the lives of war invalids, sick veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and people with meritorious service, while reaffirming the responsibility and gratitude of the Party, the State, and society toward previous generations.”

Although the war ended long ago, the immense sacrifices made by previous generations remain deeply engraved in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Through comprehensive policies, sustained support from the Party and the State, and the continued expansion of the “Repaying the debt of gratitude” movement, 100 percent of policy beneficiary families across the province now enjoy living standards equal to or higher than the average level in their communities.

Many of these families and individuals have gone on to become exemplary role models in patriotic emulation movements, inspiring today’s generation and those yet to come.

Quang Long
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