That day, the atmosphere at Điện Biên College grew solemn as more than 100 youth union members and students from Điện Biên College, the College of Education, the provincial Agencies and Enterprises Youth Union, and the Mường Thanh ward Youth Union gathered to meet veterans and listen to authentic stories from wartime memories.

During the exchange, the veterans recalled memories of long marches through forests and mountains, hurried meals amid hardship, and moments of life and death on the battlefield. Each story offered a vivid slice of history, helping young people better understand the true value of independence, freedom, and peace today. Many attendees listened attentively, deeply moved by stories of courage, solidarity, and the indomitable spirit shown by both soldiers and civilians during the nation’s most difficult periods.

As the program host and one of the participants engaging directly with the veterans, Captain Quàng Anh Quân, mass mobilization assistant at the Political Department of the provincial Border Guard Command, shared that the event brought him profound emotions and pride.

Captain Quàng Anh Quân said: “It is a great honor for me to participate in the traditional exchange program “Stories from the the years of wartime” jointly organized by the provincial Youth Union and the provincial Veterans Association. Through the program, I had the opportunity to directly interact with veterans and listen to their heroic memories. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of the hardships, sacrifices, and immense contributions made by previous generations to secure independence and peace for our nation. The program is a strong source of motivation that strengthens my revolutionary ideals and determination to continue striving to fulfill my duties and contribute to building our homeland and country.”

Seated in the audience, many young participants listened attentively, quietly absorbing every detail shared in the warm, reflective voices of the veterans.

Vàng Thị Xuân, a student at Điện Biên College, emotionally shared: “Listening to the veterans’ stories moved me deeply. Before, I mainly learned history through books, but hearing these stories directly today helped me truly feel the tremendous sacrifices made by earlier generations. It reminds me that I must study and improve myself to live worthy of what they contributed. Through this program, not only I but many other young people have gained a clearer understanding of wartime years, making us cherish peace more and better recognize our responsibilities in learning, working, and contributing to society. The stories shared at the exchange became vivid lessons about patriotism, resilience, perseverance, and faith in the future.”

For the youth of Điện Biên, educating younger generations about revolutionary traditions, patriotism, national pride, and the aspiration to contribute has always been a core mission of the Youth Union. Organizing traditional exchange activities such as “Stories from the the years of wartime” is considered a practical and meaningful way to help young people connect with history more closely and profoundly.

Mùa Chiến Thắng, Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union, affirmed: “Stories from the years of wartime has brought authentic stories and emotional memories from veterans, helping youth union members and young people gain a deeper appreciation of the value of peace and independence. Through the program, we hope to inspire patriotism, strengthen national pride, and raise young people’s sense of responsibility in learning, self-improvement, and dedication to society, thereby contributing to the development of Điện Biên and the country as a whole. The program is also an opportunity to revisit the nation’s glorious traditions and express profound gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions made by previous generations.”

The exchange program concluded in an atmosphere filled with emotion and pride. Historical stories told through the memories and experiences of veterans became a powerful message to today’s younger generation: peace was earned through sacrifice and bloodshed, and therefore every young person must strive to study, improve themselves, carry forward the nation’s proud traditions, and continue writing heroic chapters for their homeland and country.