For years, during occasions like Lunar New Year, War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), and other anniversaries, Mr. Dương Duy Lương, a resident of Team 9 in Mường Thanh ward, has been regularly visited by local government leaders who offer him gifts and heartfelt inquiries. Mr. Lương, a veteran who fought in fierce battles in southern Vietnam and later suffered the long-term effects of exposure to chemical agents, now receives monthly support under three categories: as a war invalid, a sick soldier, and a victim of Agent Orange/dioxin, ranging from 41% to 60% disability. The combined monthly assistance of nearly VND 15 million has significantly eased the burden on his family.

Each year, he is issued a health insurance card, provided with healthcare checkups, and receives gifts during holidays. While the monetary value may be modest, Mr. Lương is touched by the care shown by government authorities. In July this year, he was one of only three individuals from Điện Biên selected to attend a national gathering in Hanoi for war veterans and historical witnesses.

According to Ms. Lê Mậu Quyên, Deputy Head of the Division of Labor, Employment and People with Meritorious Service under the provincial Department of Home Affairs, caring for those who made sacrifices for the revolution is not only a duty but a moral responsibility of all levels of the Party, government, mass organizations, and society. With that in mind, Điện Biên has prioritized this work, especially ensuring timely and accurate delivery of benefits and support.

Currently, over 1,000 individuals in the province receive monthly benefits for their service or relation to those who served, with total monthly disbursements exceeding VND 3.5 billion. Over the past year alone, 17 new cases were approved for monthly benefits, including wounded soldiers and individuals affected by chemical warfare, as well as relatives of deceased revolutionaries. In addition, four cases received lump-sum payments, while over VND 1.8 billion was allocated for ancestor worship allowances for martyr families. Nine children of war invalids and martyrs also received monthly and one-time education support.

Beyond regular financial aid, local and provincial leaders have made a point to visit and give gifts to families during holidays and commemorative events. For the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) and the 80th National Day (September 2, 1945-2025), the province distributed over 1,320 gifts from the President to eligible individuals. On the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day, leaders not only distributed national-level gifts but also organized delegations to personally visit families at the grassroots level. Though the gifts may not be of high monetary value, they represent profound respect and appreciation from today’s generation toward those who sacrificed so much.

Efforts have also included providing assistive equipment, orthopedic tools, and physical rehabilitation devices to help disabled veterans and martyrs’ family members with daily living. The “Gratitude Fund” receives donations from numerous organizations and individuals across the province each year, with contributions reaching billions of dong. These resources are used to offer direct assistance, build and repair gratitude houses, and provide savings books. In 2024 alone, more than 140 houses for those with meritorious service have been built or repaired at a cost of nearly VND 10.4 billion. The province is currently accelerating the implementation of a national housing support plan for revolution contributors and martyrs’ relatives under Prime Minister Decision No.21, with the aim of completing these homes in the near future.

These meaningful actions not only represent the Party and State’s care for those who gave their youth to the nation, but also reinforce the noble tradition of the Vietnamese people. Today’s generation continues to honor the legacy of their predecessors, and that gratitude will carry forward through future acts of remembrance and respect.