Recently, Xuân was honored with the 70-year Party membership badge, a prestigious recognition of his long dedication and contribution.

Looking back, Xuân recalled leaving his homeland in Quảng Ninh to enlist in early 1951. At 21, he joined the Division 316, a key infantry unit in the legendary Điện Biên Phủ campaign. “We marched relentlessly, crossing forests and streams, carrying ammunition and pulling artillery, sleeping on cold earth, eating boiled cassava, wearing patched clothes. But no one thought of stopping. All aimed for one goal: To defeat the enemy so the country could be independent and the people peaceful,” he held.

After the historic 1954 Điện Biên Phủ Victory, he returned home where his young wife, Lưu Thị Duyên (born 1935), anxiously awaited news. The country was entering a reconstruction period full of challenges, yet the young couple found determination and ideals. Together, they returned to Điện Biên to rebuild the war-torn land.

In the early years back in Điện Biên, the land was sparsely populated, with wild mountains and vast forests. Roads were muddy and supplies scarce. Xuân was assigned to work at the Mường Ảng Farm, one of the key farms established by central authorities to develop the Northwest economy after the war. “Everything had to start from scratch: clearing bomb craters, reclaiming wasteland, building warehouses and huts... The sun burned our skin, rain soaked the soil causing landslides, but everyone rolled up their sleeves. We understood better than anyone else that if we didn’t start building, no one else would,” he slowly recalled.

While Xuân dedicated himself to the farm and production work, Duyên stayed home caring for their children and managing countless tasks. As an experienced woman, she was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a strong pillar of support. On rainy days, when floods destroyed crops and the children fell ill with little food left, she bore it all with unwavering spirit. “I told myself I couldn’t be weak. I had to keep our home strong so he could work with peace of mind. Some days I’d leave early carrying my child to the fields and return late at night with a sick child, tired but thinking of their future gave me strength,” confided Duyên.

Life was harsh, but Xuân and Duyên never complained or blamed each other. They shared hardships and encouraged each other through the toughest times. Sometimes, a warm meal after work or a knowing look during a child’s illness was enough to remind them how fortunate they were.

At the worksite, Xuân was not just a laborer but a friend, elder brother, and comrade beloved by many. He willingly shared planting techniques, shared meals with teammates, and encouraged young newcomers to the new economic zone. He believed that working for the farm meant working for the people, for Điện Biên, and for future generations.

Meanwhile, Duyên, besides raising children, actively participated in women’s union activities, production movements, and helped families in difficult circumstances. People admired her diligence and cherished the warmth and kindness she always showed neighbors and colleagues. Years have passed, her hair turned gray but her smile remained as gentle as ever.

Thanks to the perseverance of people like Xuân’s family, the Mường Ảng Farm gradually grew into a key production unit in the region, providing livelihoods for thousands of workers. Vast forests were cleared for cornfields and coffee hills; houses sprang up close to each other; schools and health stations formed. A land once marked by bombs now thrives with new life and vitality.

“With every harvest, seeing the fruits bloom, children grow up well and study hard, I feel all the hardships were worthwhile,” said Xuân.

Indeed, Xuân and Duyên raised their children with love and a living example full of compassion. Now, their children have grown and work in various fields, many becoming Party members continuing the family tradition. This is their greatest reward and the achievement they proudly mention.

In his twilight years, Xuân remains active in Party cell meetings, stays close to the younger generation, reminding his descendants to live responsibly and uphold traditions. Holding his 70-year Party membership badge, he stressed: “We endured hardships without retreating; now the younger generation has better conditions, so they must try even harder. Live worthy of our ancestors’ sacrifices.”

Duyên, with 55 years as a Party member, regularly participates in local women’s union activities. Though retired long ago, in everyone’s eyes she remains the “torchbearer” for family and community. She says at this age she wishes only that her descendants live harmoniously, with kindness and thoughtfulness. Looking back, no matter the hardships, she still feels happy.

The story of Điện Biên soldier Phạm Văn Xuân and his wife Lưu Thị Duyên symbolizes simply yet profoundly a generation that lived through war, peace, and then rebuilt their homeland with sweat and unspoken emotions. A husband building the farm with youth and aspiration, a wife holding the home with love and sacrifice. Two people, two roles, but they share one ideal and have contributed to shaping Điện Biên’s new, vibrant face, rising with the flow of homeland and country.