“After eight months of training in Thái Nguyên province, my close friend Trị and I were assigned to Battalion 2, Regiment 9, Division 320 to fight in Gia Lai province. On the first day at the unit, we were assigned duties, and that very evening, we were already in combat. My friend sacrificed in that first battle.” This is the story, an unforgettable memory for veteran Nguyễn Minh Khâm, now resides in Thanh Bình ward, Điện Biên Phủ city, Điện Biên province.

As Khâm recalls, despite the sorrow, at that time, young soldiers, who were only 18 or 20 years old, had only one goal: To continue fighting with all their might, fighting for fallen comrades, and to light a fragrant incense for them, signaling the victory they all longed for.

Having experienced the loss and suffering brought by war, Khâm now deeply understands and cherishes the value of peace. That is why, after returning to the civilian life, he has preserved the spirit of a soldier who fought under President Hồ Chí Minh’s leadership, working to improve his family’s economy and setting an example in every local community activity.

Returning to his homeland amidst many challenges, Khâm courageously cleared land, grew rice, and developed an economic model based on free-range chicken farming. With nearly 100 chickens per batch, he built chicken coops, planted trees for shade, and created a stable income from selling meat and eggs.

Despite being a war invalid with 66% disability, in recent years, when his health no longer allows him to actively work, Khâm remains a source of strong moral support for his children and grandchildren, encouraging them to live good, meaningful lives, build a cultural family, and follow the principles of civilized living in the community.

Having fought on many battlefields during the war against the American imperialism, veteran Nguyễn Văn Hồng, from Thanh Bình hamlet, Thanh Hưng commune, Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province was 20 years old when he returned from the frontline. After that, he unfortunately became a victim of Agent Orange/dioxin, and as a result, lost complete vision in one eye. Despite carrying both physical and mental scars from the war, the “soldier spirit” still burns in his heart. Over the years, Hồng has continued his dedication to his community, participating in social welfare activities, economic development, and the growth of his hometown.

Utilizing the agricultural land at his disposal, Hồng invested in planting over 100 peach trees to sell for the Tet holiday. Not only was he actively involved in economic production, but he also passionately participated in local community movements. For 15 consecutive years, he was entrusted by the villagers to serve as the village head and later as the chairman of the 6th Chapter of the Agent Orange/dioxin Victims’ Association in Thanh Hưng commune.

Secretary of the Thanh Hưng commune’s Party Committee Lường Văn Tọ shared: “Thanh Hưng commune currently has 16 Agent Orange/dioxin victims, most of whom are veterans returning from the frontline. As the Chairman of the Chapter of the Agent Orange/dioxin Victims’ Association, Hồng has effectively bridged the gap between the victims and local authorities, providing guidance and inspiring others in similar circumstances. His efforts have brought resilience and strength to the members of the community, urging them to rise above adversity.”

From the battlefield of yore to the everyday duties in their hometowns, veterans like Khâm and Hồng continue to affirm the qualities of soldiers with their dedication and commitment to the community. Their roles may not be publicly recognized, but their contributions are essential and impactful. Every story shared not only evokes memories of the challenging times but also sends a message to today’s youth: Living responsibly and acting for the collective good is how we honor and continue the values of peace that our ancestors sacrificed their lives for.