Under the colorful lights, a beautiful cake with 29 candles was placed solemnly on the table, waiting for the main characters to come to the center of the stage. Two “semi-professional” MCs appeared with thunderous applause from hundreds of soldiers and union members of the twinned unit in Cam Ranh City (Khanh Hoa).

Soldiers and union members of the twinned unit blew out candles and cut the birthday cake.

After the announcement of the reason and introduction of the delegates, 26 soldiers and 3 members of the unit whose birthday was in the month were invited to the stage amidst the cheers and encouragement of their comrades, along with the melody of the song "Happy Birthday". Receiving a birthday gift from the unit commander, Private Thap Tan Phat, a soldier of Company 13, Battalion 4, confided: "I never thought that when I joined the army, the unit would organize such a grand and joyful birthday party for my comrades. I feel the warm affection that everyone has for us".

According to Major Hoang Tien Dung, Deputy Battalion Commander, Chief of Staff of Battalion 4, every month the unit will organize a birthday party for all soldiers and union members of the twinned unit whose birthday is in the month, in order to promptly encourage soldiers to feel secure in their studies and work, and to strengthen their emotional ties with the twinned unit. This is also an opportunity for each person to retain beautiful memories of their military life.

It is known that, in order to organize a lively and meaningful collective birthday party, the unit has proactively coordinated with local union branches to practice some art performances; in addition, it has also built an open birthday script program, helping each cadre, soldier, and youth union member have the opportunity to show their talents and contribute to the program.

Commander of Battalion 4, Brigade 293 presents birthday gifts to soldiers and union members of the twinned unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Xuan Linh, Political Commissar of Brigade 293, said: “Over the years, comrades’ birthday activities have always been carried out regularly by units in the entire brigade, with timely innovation in content and programs, creating joy and excitement. In addition, the brigade also organizes many activities, such as: Folk dance competitions, staged performances of prescribed songs, exchanges and discussions with officers and soldiers, thereby both grasping their thoughts and aspirations; and creating a useful playground, motivating soldiers to always be ready to receive and complete all assigned tasks well.”

Article and photos: BAO TRUNG