Sitting in the middle of the unit's green space, Private First Class Thai Hoang Minh Tri, a soldier of the Guard Battalion, General Staff (Military Region 9) recounted the moment he took the oath before the Victory Flag. Being intelligent and having a good memory, after only 4 days of joining the army, Minh Tri had memorized the 10 oaths of honor printed in the Soldier's Handbook. Private First Class Minh Tri shared: "When the platoon leader checked, I volunteered to read them out loud and clearly and was praised in front of the group. Later, with the guidance of the officers, I became more confident and fluently recited the oath of honor of the soldier." After completing the training, the new soldier was assigned to work in the unit. Minh Tri quickly integrated and learned the experience, applied it to his work, and always completed well the task of protecting conferences and events as well as patrolling and guarding the safety of the assigned area.

Private (now Private First Class) Truong Hoai Khanh performs the ceremony of kissing the Military Flag during the oath-taking ceremony (2022).

For Private First Class Truong Hoai Khanh, a soldier of the Guard Squad, Staff, Regiment 152 (Military Region 9), the moment of honor to represent the new soldiers to take the oath before the Victory Flag was an unforgettable memory. Hoai Khanh recalled: “The weather on the island is hot in the summer, although the training is hard, I always tell myself to practice to have a good voice. Along with that, I have to practice the correct command movements, the correct military posture. Taking the oath before the Victory Flag, I feel more mature after 3 months of training, reminding myself to try harder in studying and practicing. Carrying the promise of determination to return to the new unit, Private First Class Truong Hoai Khanh not only completed the task of guarding and protecting the safety of the command post but also promoted his experience and specialized knowledge in theater, becoming an active member in the movement, cultural and artistic activities of the unit.

Among the newly sworn soldiers, many comrades with qualities and qualifications were selected to train non-commissioned officers to continue training and guiding the next class. Sergeant Huynh Khanh Linh, Squad Leader of Squad 8, Platoon 2, Company 9, Battalion 303, Regiment 1, Division 330 (Military Region 9) is a typical example, promoting the role of "first soldier, last soldier". Huynh Khanh Linh confided: "I have to be truly exemplary to have the prestige to remind and train my brothers to follow the rules. The squad has 8 people with different personalities, ages, and regions, requiring the squad leader to know how to observe, listen, learn about family backgrounds, and be flexible in managing thoughts to encourage the brothers to strive to study and work together". Having sworn before the Quyet Thang Military Flag, Sergeant Huynh Khanh Linh enthusiastically exchanged and shared experiences, supporting the new soldiers to confidently complete their tasks well.

The soldiers who represented their comrades to take the oath felt a sacred honor and were moved with pride. The heroic oath and the resounding promise of determination clearly demonstrated the will and aspiration to contribute of the youth, always standing firmly under the Victory Flag, contributing to building a strong Army and a beautiful and rich homeland.

Article and photos: CONG KHANH