These are simple spiritual gifts, yet they contain the sincere affection of the children of officers and soldiers for the “green epaulet” soldiers who are carrying out their duties day and night on the Fatherland’s frontline.

The “Letters to the rear” model

With the desire to strengthen the bond between the unit and the families of officers and soldiers, on the occasion of International Children’s Day, the Nậm Nhừ Border Post launched the “Letters to the rear” model this year. Accordingly, the unit sent congratulatory letters to 36 children of officers and soldiers working at the station.

In the sent letters, officers and soldiers conveyed their best wishes to the children, encouraging them to be good, study well, and obey their grandparents, parents, and teachers. Through the rustic and sincere lines, the officers and soldiers also hoped the children would better understand the mission of protecting territorial sovereignty and national border security, thereby becoming more proud of the work their fathers are doing in border areas that still face many hardships.

Sharing about the significance of the model, Major Đỗ Xuân Điềm, Political Commissar of the Nậm Nhừ Border Post, said: “Through the letters sent to the children, we wish to convey the affection and care of the unit to the families of officers and soldiers; while helping the children better understand their fathers’ work at the border. When the children love and take more pride in their relatives, it is also a huge source of encouragement for the officers and soldiers performing duties on the frontline.”

The joy was multiplied when, after only a short time, the unit received many reply letters along with drawings made by the children themselves. Over half of the children sent letters or drawings to the station. Every innocent handwriting and colorful drawing is filled with the pure and innocent affection of childhood for their uncles at the border.

In their letter, two sisters, Ánh Hồng (a 4th grader) and Yến Vy (4 years old), from Nậm Kè commune, children of Major Vàng A Chứ, wrote: “We deeply admire the resilient spirit and optimistic smiles of you uncles. We promise to try our best to be good and study well so that when we grow up, we can contribute to building the country, worthy of your dedications.”

These simple words contain the children’s pride in the work of border guards. For the officers and soldiers who are clinging to the area day and night, carrying out the mission of protecting the Fatherland’s border, it is truly a priceless spiritual gift.

A bridge of affection

With sincere affection, two brothers, Tiến Mạnh (a 7th grader) and Xuân Phúc (a 4th grader) in Thái Hòa commune, Phú Thọ province - the hometown of Captain Nguyễn Văn Hồng from the Nậm Nhừ Border Post - chose a very unique way of expression. The two brothers decided to both write letters and draw pictures to send to the soldiers. The drawing sent to the unit depicted smiling green-epaulet soldiers beside the red flag with a yellow star, along with a short but loving message: “Thank you so much, uncles! On the occasion of June 1.”

Excited about the special gift sent to the border guard uncles, Tiến Mạnh shared: “When receiving letters from my dad and the uncles at Nậm Nhừ Border Post, I was very happy and touched. I know that the uncles have to be away from their families to do the duty of protecting the border, so I wanted to write letters and draw pictures to encourage them. I hope my dad and the uncles are always healthy, accomplish their missions well, and have a lot of joy.”

From clumsy handwriting to colorful drawings, everything has become a bridge connecting the love between the rear and the soldiers working at the remote border.

Unable to hide his emotion when reading the children’s reply letters, Major Vàng A Chứ, an officer of the Nậm Nhừ Border Post, shared: “When reading the letters and seeing the drawings sent by the children, we were truly moved. Through every stroke of writing and every wish, we feel the affection and care the children have for the officers and soldiers in the unit. This is a great source of encouragement for every officer and soldier to feel more secure in their work and strive to complete their tasks well.”

Spreading joy to the community

Besides the activities targeting the children of officers and soldiers, on this year’s International Children’s Day, the Nậm Nhừ Border Post coordinated with the Youth Union of Nà Hỳ commune to organize a Children’s Tết program for disadvantaged children in the border area.

At Nậm Nhừ 1 village, nearly 100 gift packages were handed directly to the students. Though not large in material value, the gifts contain the affection and sharing of border guards and mass organizations for highland children facing many hardships. Joy was clearly visible on the children’s faces as they participated in fun activities, cultural performances, and received meaningful gifts on Children’s Tết. For many children, this is one of the special occasions to feel the community’s care and gain more motivation to strive in their studies.

It can be seen that, although newly implemented, the “Letters to the rear” model has created a positive ripple effect. The two-way letters not only help officers and soldiers feel more reassured on the frontline but also contribute to educating patriotic traditions, fostering gratitude, and instilling national pride in the young generation. Through the sincere letters, the children understand more about the silent sacrifices of the border guards. They understand that behind the peace of every village and every home is the dedication, responsibility, and spirit of overcoming difficulties of those who are day and night guarding every inch of the Fatherland’s sacred land.

Each letter, each drawing, though small, is overflowing with affection, becoming a precious source of spiritual encouragement, giving more willpower and energy for the officers and soldiers of the Nậm Nhừ Border Post to stand firm on the frontline, successfully completing the task of firmly protecting territorial sovereignty and national border security.