The loyalty of soldiers of Quang Tri Citadel

Since its establishment in 1972, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldiers Association has become a “common home”, helping to unite soldiers who fought on the front lines of the ancient citadel. With many practical activities, the Association has spread comradeship and promoted the qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers, contributing to the development of the economy, society and maintaining security and order in the locality.

Báo Lâm Đồng•18/04/2025

Many collectives and individuals of the Association were commended by the Central Association.

Currently, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldiers Association in 1972 has more than 530 members, operating in 16 branches. Most of the members are over 70 years old, all bearing the wounds of war. Despite their old age and weak health, the soldiers of the ancient citadel in the past still maintain their steadfast spirit, the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, living exemplary lives, being loyal and responsible to their families, comrades and society. "We always clearly define our role as not only paying tribute to the past, but also contributing to taking care of the lives of members and educating the younger generation on patriotism," said Mr. Le Trung Tinh - Chairman of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldiers Association in 1972, Lam Dong province.

In that spirit, in recent years, the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldiers Association in 1972 has implemented many practical activities to enhance the spirit of solidarity, responsibility and affection for comrades. From 2019 to present, the Association has helped build and repair 16 houses for members in especially difficult circumstances, with a total amount of more than 630 million VND. At the same time, the Association has also supported nearly 260 million VND for cases of misfortune, illness and loneliness. In 2024 alone, the Association mobilized and supported 80 million VND to help members in difficulty build "Comradeship Warmth House", presenting 40 gifts to members in difficult circumstances, policy families and people with meritorious services to the revolution. The movement to contribute to the association's fund has also been launched, helping members borrow capital at low interest rates to develop production, contributing to the goal of poverty eradication and eliminating temporary housing.

In addition, the Association also focuses on political and ideological work, mobilizing members to set an example and promote the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in implementing the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's laws. Cadres and members always actively participate in patriotic emulation movements in the locality, becoming exemplary citizens in everyday life.

For the soldiers who fought and died during 81 days and nights in Quang Tri Citadel, paying tribute to their deceased comrades is also a very sacred responsibility. Mr. Tinh said: “Every year, on July 27 or major holidays, the Association organizes a delegation to visit the old battlefield, where comrades fought without hesitation to protect every inch of the sacred land of the Fatherland”. During the visits to the old battlefield, the members of the delegation not only participated in offering incense and lighting candles in gratitude at Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery, Road 9 Cemetery and Quang Tri Citadel Relic Site, but also enthusiastically participated in the program “Singing for my comrades”. “These are emotional moments, where memories of a time of bombs and bullets, camaraderie and deep patriotism come flooding back, deeply engraved in the minds of each member”, Mr. Le Trung Tinh shared.

In addition, the Association also actively participates in providing information and supporting relatives of martyrs in the journey to search for and verify the remains of soldiers who died in the Quang Tri campaign in 1972, contributing to the search and memorialization of fallen heroes.

With these efforts, recently, at the 2024 Association's Summary Ceremony, the Central Association awarded Certificates of Merit to 2 groups and 5 individuals who have made many contributions to the Association's movements and common activities. These awards are not only recognition, but also the pride of the Citadel soldiers in the common development of the country.

Mr. Le Trung Tinh said: “Building on the achieved results, in the coming time, the Association will continue to develop new members, improve the operational capacity of the Association at all levels, organize practical and meaningful activities, suitable to the needs of members. In addition, the Association will also strengthen coordination with Associations and organizations inside and outside the province, and take advantage of social resources to effectively implement the political tasks of the locality; at the same time, carry out well the work of caring for and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of members”.

The meaningful activities and deep gratitude of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldiers Association in 1972 have been contributing to affirming the role of the Association in caring for the material and spiritual life of its members as well as contributing to preserving and promoting historical values, contributing to the overall development of the locality.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/xa-hoi/202504/nghia-tinh-chien-si-thanh-co-quang-tri-aba712f/