No matter the year, no matter the month... one heart does not fade

Putting aside her personal happiness, she chose to devote herself to her beloved newspaper - SGGP Newspaper - until her last moment. Even though everything was unfinished when she left, her heart and love for everyone were still full, not a single day had passed - no matter the year, no matter the month...

Ms. Bui Thach Thao gives Mid-Autumn gifts to students of Qui Duc Primary School (Binh Chanh, Ho Chi Minh City) in the Mid-Autumn Festival "Green Dream" 2022

Musician TRUONG QUANG LUC:

Thach Thao - a kind and talented journalist

This morning, November 26, reading the SGGP daily newspaper and hearing the news that the Head of the Culture and Arts Department, Bui Thach Thao, could not overcome his illness, I was extremely shocked. Although I knew that Thach Thao had been seriously ill and hospitalized for several months, the news this morning still surprised and saddened me.

It must be said that, over the years, under the direction of Thach Thao, the culture and art sector of SGGP Newspaper has produced many sharp, in-depth series of articles with certain social effects. The passing of Thach Thao is a great loss for SGGP Newspaper, for her family, colleagues and friends. Seeing the scene of Thach Thao's mother "the white-haired person sending off the green-haired person" is truly painful. I could not help but shed tears. I suddenly had a thought, albeit a bit childish, that if I could share the years I lived (I am over 90 years old this year) in exchange for Thach Thao to live a few more years, I would be very willing. Because a kind, talented, and career-loving journalist like Thach Thao deserves to live a longer life.

Ms. Bui Thach Thao (middle) and colleagues from SGGP Newspaper performed the song "Aspiration" at the 2023 Ho Chi Minh City Press Awards Ceremony.

Journalist PHAM HOAI NAM:

Somewhere in the Truong Son range, soldiers and compatriots remember me!

It is difficult to sit down and write these lines of memories about you, who have been with you for nearly 20 years, eating, living, working, playing and devoting themselves to journalism countless times. In the early days, you were a fresh graduate from the Faculty of Literature and Journalism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Ho Chi Minh City National University, coming to SGGP Newspaper very confidently. You cherished every line of the news and articles - the products of your professional labor. Once, I saw you sitting on an old sofa in front of the underground archives room, flipping through the pages of the newspaper to show off to a school friend: "Today's newspaper published my article, take a look, it's very good!" Looking up and seeing me looking at you, you smiled and said: "That's your first product, just published today!". I smiled at you: "Let me see it later. Congratulations baby!"...

In the first years of becoming an official reporter of the newspaper, working at the Political - Party Building Department (now the Political - Social Department), I had the opportunity to work with him. There were times when we debated with him about thorny topics, and carried our backpacks to far and difficult places. Among them were trips back to Truong Son to write about the history of the legendary road. There was a trip to sleep at Cha Lo Border Post, Quang Binh, so that early the next morning we could go through the border gate on Route 12 to Laos, to find places like Lang Khang, Pa Ta Xon, Kham Muon...

Last June, my husband and I returned to Lang Ho, had a meal in a small room with the Lang Ho Border Guard Station brothers that you and I had met. The Deputy Station Commander, the Political Commissar, and even the kitchen manager all asked me: "Miss Thach Thao, who loves animals and pets, won't you come back to join the soldiers...". The trip back to Truong Son in July of that year - 2022, was the last trip he took with you.

Wherever you have walked with me on the majestic Truong Son mountain range, the Border Guards and the people of the Truong Son villages all remember you, Thao!

Ms. Bui Thach Thao and colleagues of SGGP Newspaper at Heaven's Gate - the fiercest target of US air force attacks on Highway 12 - West Truong Son, Cha Lo

Journalist MAI HUONG (Tuoi Tre Newspaper):

Ms. Thach Thao - born to work for Saigon Giai Phong Newspaper

Time has flown by, almost 20 years have passed since the day we started our internship at SGGP Newspaper. That was also the place where I first met Ms. Thach Thao - who was also a collaborator of the department at that time. The first article we worked on together was about Thai My commune, Cu Chi district. The two sisters rode together on a motorbike, waiting for nightfall to take pictures of the street lights illuminating the asphalt country roads.

Compared to students from the provinces like us, Ms. Thao had a solid support system: her father was a prestigious military officer, and her family had a comfortable life in the city. At that time, honestly speaking, I saw that she had many outstanding talents other than writing, such as the ability to organize events, be a movement cadre, a talent for cooking, and thoughtful care for everyone.

During the long years of working as a collaborator without knowing when I would be able to sign an official contract, I often thought that if I were her, I would not have had enough patience to love SGGP newspaper forever, but would have turned to another path. She just smiled: "If I don't work for SGGP newspaper, I will quit journalism, my dear!". If that statement came from a senior, a senior who had a name, had made a name for herself at SGGP newspaper, had been closely attached to the newspaper, it would have seemed reasonable, but for Ms. Thach Thao - at that time, I could only explain it as an obsessive, somewhat stubborn feeling, like "love has its own reasons".

During her time as a writer - although not long, as well as the time she moved to management - she was still most interested and passionate about writing about traditions, the army, party organizations, youth volunteers, and unions - topics that seemed dry and unattractive in the eyes of many people. But she went, listened, and wrote with all her heart and true pure emotions. That love, that passion, that enthusiasm - she could only do best, pursue to the fullest - when she worked at a Party newspaper - specifically, SGGP. For me and perhaps for many colleagues who grew up with her, journalist Bui Thach Thao was truly a journalist born to work for SGGP Newspaper.

Thank you - Thach Thao - for being a part of our beautiful youth. The songs, the messages, the memories - I will keep them in a corner of my heart. Accepting the invitation to write something about you, for today, is too difficult for me. Because for you, memories are immeasurable...

The author (journalist Mai Huong, left cover), journalist Ai Chan and journalist Thach Thao on a business trip

Writer VO THU HUONG:

Strong like the flower her name is

Last night, I attended a program, the whole decoration was made of aster. I was absent-mindedly looking at the flower decorations, sadly thinking of you, and praying again, like many times before. Actually, when I looked at the aster and thought of you, it was when you left.

My prayers, as well as those of many of her friends and relatives, were not answered. She passed away after years of living a life as delicate, gentle and strong as the flower she was named after.

Ms. Bui Thach Thao on a business trip to Truong Sa

She and I often chatted and exchanged collaborative work via Facebook because she was busy with work. I met her exactly twice. Once for a quick coffee date in the afternoon near the end of the year, once in the hospital, not daring to stay long, afraid she would get tired. The first conversation could be about family, work, friends, and acquaintances. The following conversation often fell into silence, just sitting and gently rubbing her hand. Even hugging and holding hands, even thinking about it, I couldn't bear it, afraid of hurting her. There are some strange friends, right from the first meeting, they can open up, share things that seem very private, the second meeting I can feel my heart aching when seeing you in pain...

Thank you, beautiful flower of aster that I will keep in my heart!

SGGP Newspaper staff, newspaper colleagues and friends will forever remember this talented and kind colleague.

Editor NGUYET HUONG, Ho Chi Minh City Television Station:

Remembering the talented and generous older sister

Today I understand why all the messages I sent to you asking about your health got no response… Maybe, you didn't want to talk much about your illness.

Sister Thach Thao, people do not count the number of times they meet to measure their feelings, but count the love and emotions sent during the times they are together. I remember our sisterly relationship with your gentle guidance and instruction. Our trips always give me the feeling of being a little sister with a talented and generous older sister taking care of me.

Tonight, I was shocked to hear that a good person had passed away. I sat there, stunned, tears falling. I wondered if life was so unfair when it gave beautiful souls such a short time frame…

Wherever you are, I believe you will always be happy and optimistic as you have always been. You will always live in the hearts of everyone, especially the children that you and I have devoted all our hearts to love.

Ms. Bui Thach Thao on a business trip to Truong Sa

Mr. MAI VIET HUNG, Former Officer of Ben Thanh Corporation Youth Union:

Thach Thao lived a meaningful life.

I met Ms. Thach Thao when participating in social work of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union of People - Government - Party. Her image is that of a quick, professional, and friendly reporter. Being involved in many youth union activities and social work activities, I love her even more. She is very filial like her name, always taking time to take care of her parents. She lives openly, kindly, and gives love and care to the disadvantaged and the weak. Even the animals that people throw away on the street are often taken care of and loved by her. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she supported people with prescriptions and reminded them to take care of their health to overcome the difficulties of that period.

Hearing that she was sick and had to be hospitalized, our friends had strong faith that she would overcome it. Everyone was waiting for the news of her discharge. 1 month, 2 months, 3 months… but no miracle happened. The heavy rain last night seemed to mourn the kind-hearted sister who lived a meaningful life.

Goodbye our dear sister Thach Thao!

Ms. HUYNH THUY UYEN TRANG, Member of the Inspection Committee of the Party Committee of the People - Government - Party Bloc of Ho Chi Minh City, former Secretary of the Youth Union of the Department of Finance:

Youth movement motivator

I love Ms. Thach Thao like an older sister to many generations of Youth Union cadres in my city. I love and respect her very much because of her heart and affection as a Youth Union cadre full of enthusiasm and dedication. Whatever is difficult, she shows me how to do it; whatever needs to be done, she supports me without hesitation. Just like that, but every time we meet, every time we participate in Youth Union, Association, and Youth Movement activities, I feel like I am fueled with fire.

Thank you for being my guide, my inspiration, and the beautiful memories of my youth. I hope you are at peace and no longer in pain… I love you so much, sister!

Ms. Bui Thach Thao (red shirt, far right) with Youth Union officials of Youth Union bases of the Ho Chi Minh City People - Government - Party Bloc Youth Union

Ms. NGUYEN THI MY LINH, Former Official of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade:

Quietly supporting people

I love you so much, U! Perhaps I met you by chance as a Youth Union officer. My first impression when I met you was that you were difficult to approach and straightforward. But the more we talked and interacted, the more I realized that it was not like that. You are very enthusiastic, caring for the younger siblings, and are the one who often brings hot news to the Youth Union and Youth Movement. The Kuabom Association was established from that time. 8 members from 8 different Youth Union bases, lasting until now for 9 years. Every time we meet, we talk and confide...

But why was the 10th anniversary date interrupted by the rain last night? We were stunned when we received your bad news. A month ago, you promised me and Ga that we would meet in Go Vap? The date is still there, but you are no longer participating.

I remember the time we went to organize a Mid-Autumn Festival for the children, it was quite difficult for us to find a primary school that was very far away. I also remember the trip to the Northwest with you and the Ho Chi Minh City People's - Government - Party Bloc. During the recent epidemic, when I heard that my family member was sick, you asked me to go up and get medicine to bring back. You and I rarely confide in each other, but I accidentally found out that before I got married, you asked my husband to take good care of me. Many times, when I had problems, just "call" and you were always there to help. I know there are many things you do for everyone, but you never say it.

Writing these lines to you, my tears fall again. I can't believe that you are really far away from me. Thank you for being a part of our youth!

Ms. Bui Thach Thao and Youth Union officials of Youth Union bases of the Ho Chi Minh City People - Government - Party Bloc participated in the Journey to the City I Love in 2017.

NGUYEN THANH MAI, Trainee Reporter, SGGP Newspaper:

“Mai, your writing is good today! Short, emotional, and close to real life is good. I'll just edit it a bit.”

That seemingly simple encouragement became a great motivation for the new graduate to stay in Ho Chi Minh City to work, write, and contribute. As a young person with little experience in the profession, it seemed that there would be many difficulties and challenges, but for me at that time, everything seemed easier with you. Never raising your voice at the younger students, you diligently instructed, shaping each sentence to be sharp and concise. Looking at that, I felt stronger after each article.

She inspires the juniors with passion for the profession, teaches them how to do the job properly and is more than a sister, more than a superior. She is the heart of the whole team, the warmest place so that whenever they are happy or sad, the juniors only want to return to her side and not anywhere else.

Ms. Bui Thach Thao shares with young reporters of SGGP Newspaper about journalism profession.

When I first started my career, I naively told her, “Sister, it’s really hard for women to do this job. To satisfy your passion and contribute, sometimes you will be lonely and suffer many disadvantages.” She smiled and told me, “It doesn’t matter how long you live, what matters is what value you create for your family and society. If you have a beautiful ideal and passion, you will no longer feel lonely. This job is full of joy.”

And yes, she has left so much value to life without receiving anything in return...

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/du-nam-du-thang-khong-phai-mot-tam-long-post715788.html