With compassion and responsibility, local armed forces consistently organize meaningful activities, aiming to bring a warm Tết to the people.

Warming border areas with love

Annually, as Spring approaches, border guard units host Tết celebrations for ethnic communities in border areas, offering meaningful gifts. Mrs. Lò Thị Kim from Cò Chạy 2 Village, Mường Pồn Commune, Điện Biên District, has attended the “Warm Tết at border areas” program organized by the Mường Pồn Border Post for many years and deeply appreciated its value and significance.

“I always feel happy celebrating Tết with border guards,” Mrs. Kim shared. “They assist us in everything from developing household economy to boosting the new-style rural area building. Every Tết, they organize warm celebrations for the community. These actions build people’s trust in border guards and encourage us to join hands in protecting the national border security.”

This year, the program was held in Hua Thanh Commune, far from her home. “My son and I had to wake up early to get there. Seeing border guards waiting for everyone to arrive before starting touched me deeply. My family always receives gifts, and I am grateful for their kindness,” she added.

Mr. Quàng Văn Tiến, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Mường Pồn Commune, noted the program’s impact: “The program created a joyful atmosphere for local ethnic communities after a year of hard work. For many families recovering from storms and floods, these gifts provided timely encouragement and brought the spirit of Tết to their homes.”

For years, along the province’s border areas, border guard units have collaborated with local authorities to ensure people celebrate Tết joyfully. This year, activities to welcome Tết early for residents of 29 border communes, under the theme “Warm Tết at border areas,” run from January 4 to 19.

The program included meaningful activities such as visiting, gifting, and extending Tết wishes to policy beneficiary families, poor households, and those in difficult circumstances. It also provided financial scholarships to students in the “Paving the way to school for children - Adopted children of border posts” program, and free health check-ups and medicines. Residents enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchanges, sports, and traditional Tết activities like making “bánh chưng” (traditional square sticky rice cakes).

Senior Colonel Lê Đức Nghĩa, Deputy Political Commissar of the Provincial Border Guard Command, stated that the “Warm Tết at border areas” is a meaningful activity that has been consistently organized by local border guard force. Communities always respond positively, appreciating the heartfelt support they receive. Depending on the situation in each area, units organize suitable activities, but the shared goal is to create a festive atmosphere, boosting the confidence and optimism of border residents as they enter the Lunar New Year.

Leaving no one behind

This Tết is particularly memorable for Mr. Lường Văn Biến from Phiêng Ban Village, Thanh An Commune. Just before the Lunar New Year, he moved into a new house built with support from the provincial Military Command - a long-held dream of his family.

“In the past, we lived in a downgraded house. Life was very difficult,” Mr. Biến shared. “Now, standing before our new home, it feels like a dream come true. Although challenges remain, living in a new house gives us peace of mind to focus on improving our living standards. This year, my family will truly celebrate a warm and joyous Tết.”

Hundreds of other families across the province are also welcoming a warm Tết, thanks to the military’s support. In 2024, the provincial Military Command, in association with the Central Military Commission, Defense Ministry and other units, helped build 219 houses for poor households, policy beneficiaries, soldiers in difficult circumstances, and families affected by natural disasters, with a total budget of VNĐ 15 billion.

For Mrs. Mùa Thị Sam, a martyr’s mother from Nà Bủng Commune, Nậm Pồ District, the thoughtful care of border guards brought joy despite her old age. Besides receiving Tết gifts, they also cleaned her house and presented her a new national flag. “I am so thankful to the soldiers. They not only protect border security and help us develop our economy, but also care for our well-being,” she expressed.

To ensure a warm Tết for all, armed forces in the province have actively visited and granted gifts in remote areas. In parallel with the “Warm Tết at border areas” program in 29 border communes, the provincial Military Command directed local units to organize “Green Chưng cake festival” and the “Spring of unity - Tết of military-civilian sentiment” programs across the province. These events reinforced community solidarity, offering hundreds of meaningful gifts, including chưng cakes, sweets, essential items, warm clothes, blankets, and scholarships.

Amid the nationwide festive spirit, the warmth of Tết has reached many poor families in Điện Biên Province, thanks to the heartfelt compassion and sharing of Uncle Hồ’s soldiers.