Children of border guards gather with Mother Hai for a simple dinner

Emotional reunion after 55 years

The afternoon rain was sometimes light, sometimes heavy, but that day, Dien Loc was bustling with people because of the emotional reunion between two Vietnamese Heroic Mothers who 55 years ago had shared the same fate in prison. The reunion was organized by Phong Hai Border Guard Station, in coordination with the local Party Committees and authorities of Dien Huong and Dien Loc communes (Phong Dien) (*). They were Mother Le Thi Hai (born in 1929, residing in Dien Loc commune) and Mother Le Thi Tat (born in 1931, residing in Dien Huong commune). Both mothers had been involved in revolutionary activities, were arrested and imprisoned, and both had children who were martyrs, dedicating their lives to the Fatherland.

The face marked by time, Mother Hai's face broke into a toothless smile, when Lieutenant Colonel Cao Chi Luyen, Deputy Chief of Politics of the Hue City Border Guard; Major Hoang Manh Ty, Political Commissar of Phong Hai Border Guard Station and many officers and soldiers, along with Mr. Doan Ky Coi, Permanent Deputy Secretary of Phong Dien District Party Committee and leaders of the two communes of Dien Huong and Dien Loc, gathered around.

Waiting for this moment for several days, the 95-year-old Mother's expectant eyes were stunned when at the end of the alley appeared the small, hunched figure of the former female comrade, supported by the Border Guard children, step by step into the house. "Sister Hai! Sister Hai! I miss you so much, but I don't know how to find you. I didn't think I would see you again" - the joy-like voice of Mother Tat made Mother Hai and everyone present moved. The hug of the two Vietnamese Heroic Mothers after 55 years of reunion was overwhelmingly emotional.

Instead of son, support mother

The meeting of the two Mothers 55 years ago was in prison. Mother Tat and Mother Hai were arrested by the enemy for hiding cadres, supplying food, and acting as a liaison for the revolution. Being hung up, beaten, and tortured by the enemy every day, Mother Hai remained steadfast and did not say a word. When Mother Tat was arrested, put in the same prison cell, and suffered the enemy's beatings, Mother Hai loved and protected her younger female comrade.

“Do you remember, when I was taken to be interrogated and tortured, you found a way to ask someone to buy sugar to cook for me to eat to thin the blood, prepare oil and salt to rub and compress my wounds, and give me more strength in prison” - Tat's mother's voice choked.

Mr. Phan Xuan Nhon, former Vice Chairman of Phong Dien District People's Committee, who was once provided with supplies by Mother Hai while in the secret bunker (during the anti-American resistance war, Mr. Nhon held the position of Secretary of the Party Committee of Dien Huong Commune) emotionally continued: Being imprisoned and tortured, but that physical pain is nothing compared to the greatest loss in life, which is that the children of the Mothers will forever lie down at the most beautiful age of youth, sacrificing and dedicating their lives to the People and the Fatherland.

“How many heroic Vietnamese mothers like Mother Tat and Mother Hai saw their children off and cried silently when they did not return. Generations of heroic martyrs have devoted their lives to creating beautiful springs for the country. As soldiers, following in the footsteps of our fathers and brothers, we sympathize, love, and are ready to make up for the losses of these mothers,” Lieutenant Colonel Cao Chi Luyen confided.

So, when visiting and giving gifts to Tat's mother, Major Hoang Manh Ty, Political Commissar and Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Phi Hung, Chief of Phong Hai Border Guard Station, stayed with her for a long time, listening to the story in prison decades ago, about the affection of a fellow prisoner who had lost contact with each other for decades and the earnest wish to meet again, which perhaps could never be realized, because they did not know where Mother Hai was now, whether she was alive or dead.

“Hearing me mention Ms. Hai’s name, the Border Guards opened their phones, showed me her picture, and asked if she was the person Mom was looking for? Honestly, I couldn’t recognize her, because 55 years is too long, both Ms. Hai and I are old, we’ve changed so much. Now, both of us have lost almost all our teeth…” - Tat’s mother and Hai’s mother held hands tightly, smiling toothlessly, but more radiantly than ever. The smiles of the border guards were also radiant.

Bring spring to Mom

Major Hoang Manh Ty and Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Phi Hung and their comrades in the unit began the urgent days of "running back and forth" between Dien Huong - Dien Loc, meeting with government leaders at all levels and finding a living witness, Mr. Phan Xuan Nhon, to learn and verify. "The sons of the Mothers sacrificed for the country, we did what needed to be done on their behalf, so that the Mothers could fulfill their wishes. When we confirmed that Mother Hai in Dien Loc was indeed the inmate who had helped and sheltered Mother Tat in prison, we were happy beyond measure" - the Political Commissar and Chief of Phong Hai Border Guard Station shared.

The Border Guard children coordinated with the local authorities to organize a reunion for the two Mothers as soon as possible, but the meeting had to be postponed several times because the Mothers’ health was not yet guaranteed. Now the Mothers’ wishes have come true. “Can you eat? I also try to take care of my health…” Whispering words of advice and sharing with each other, on the faces covered with the marks of time and in the toothless smiles of the two Vietnamese Heroic Mothers is a radiant spring.

We returned to Phong Hai Border Guard Station on a rainy afternoon, when Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Tuan, Deputy Political Commissar, and Lieutenant Nguyen Dinh Tuan, Deputy Head of the Mass Mobilization Team, were preparing to "go up" Dien Huong to visit Tat's mother. Alone in the house, the atmosphere was still warm because of Mother's bright smile, the care of her nephew in the village, and the comings and goings, whispering conversations of the Border Guard children.

As the sun was setting, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Tuan and Lieutenant Nguyen Dinh Tuan "went" to Dien Loc, carrying out their instructions: "When you visit Ms. Hai, remember to tell her that Mother Tat is still well and still misses Ms. Hai a lot."

Colonel Pham Tung Lam, Party Secretary and Political Commissar of the Provincial Border Guard, said: “For Mother Tat, Mother Hai and all the heroic Vietnamese mothers (in the areas where the border guards are stationed, now they have passed away), and the martyrs’ mothers over the years, we always express our gratitude with all our hearts. The heroic martyrs sacrificed to create spring for the country. Soldiers in general, and border guards in particular, on their behalf, bring spring to the hearts of mothers with care and love.”

(*) From January 1, 2025, Dien Loc commune and Dien Hoa commune will merge into Phong Phu ward; Dien Huong and Dien Mon communes will merge into Phong Thanh ward (Phong Dien town)

Quynh Anh