Warm military-civilian relationship

BHG - In the memories of veterans who were present at the border protection battle at the Vi Xuyen front, the emotions and images of the heroic and arduous years are still intact, and certainly one thing that cannot be forgotten is the hearts of the ethnic people of Ha Giang province for the soldiers. From then until now, those feelings are still very familiar, dear, warm and transcend all distances.

Going back in time 46 years ago, to contribute to the fight to protect the northern border, young men and women in their eighteens and twenties from all over the country volunteered to go to the border of Vi Xuyen district to protect every inch of the sacred land and territory of the Fatherland. Despite many difficulties, those soldiers always maintained their heroic, resilient and indomitable spirit. The loss and noble sacrifice of the previous generation combined with the love for the homeland and country, so that the people could live in peace and happiness like today. Coincidentally, Ha Giang has become the place where the Vi Xuyen soldiers of the past return.

Veterans burn incense to commemorate their comrades at Vi Xuyen National Martyrs Cemetery.

In the memory of veteran Pham Kim Hoan, Phu Tho town (Phu Tho), the Vi Xuyen front during the years of fighting to protect the northern border had to endure a lot of artillery, bullets, and strong firepower. Some high points were plowed over and over again by bullets, turning them into a dull gray color, and some high points turned into lime. As the Captain of the C20 Reconnaissance Company, Division 356, he commanded the forces in the unit to perform the task of observing and grasping the enemy's situation, reporting to superiors to deploy solid attacks. The main direction of the unit's mission was the 685 high point, known as the lime kiln of the century, where there were very fierce battles.

After the battles and under the pressure of artillery and bullets, Mr. Hoan suffered a traumatic brain and chest injury. Every time the weather changed, his body ached. Overcoming the pain of illness and with the optimistic spirit of a soldier, every year he and his comrades made a pilgrimage back to the Vi Xuyen border to recall old memories and burn incense for his brothers who sacrificed their lives on this land. The border has changed a lot, but he still remembers every address, street, and road name to find the families who had taken care of, helped, and shared food and clothes with the soldiers during the years of fighting to protect the northern border.

Veteran Pham Kim Hoan (second from right) and his comrades met with the family of Mr. Pham Duc Quyen, group 8, Quang Trung ward (Ha Giang city).

Veteran Pham Kim Hoan emotionally recounted: “My unit participated in training at the Border Guard barracks next to Mr. Pham Duc Quyen's family, group 8, Quang Trung ward (Ha Giang city). Around mid-July 1984, the Vi Xuyen front was extremely fierce. Mr. Quyen's wife and young children had to evacuate, leaving him alone to carry out the task of the frontline militia force to open the way for combat. He gave up his 3-room wooden house for the soldiers to live in, and shared any food and vegetables he had with us. Not only Mr. Quyen, but also the people in the border area. With the sentiment of the army and people working together as one, the soldiers were given strength to contribute to victory in the battle to protect the border.

Following the footsteps of history, the CCB delegation of Reconnaissance Company C20 continued their journey to visit the places that they were closely associated with in the Thanh Thuy area (Vi Xuyen). On the day of their return, seeing the peaceful border, the stable lives of the people, the green fields, everyone felt warm as if the sacrifices of their comrades had been duly rewarded. The people always welcomed the comrades with warm feelings, with smiles, and meals filled with love. Many families in Ha Giang still regularly keep in touch with the CCB, keeping souvenirs as an unforgettable part of their memories. The young generations in the border area grew up listening to the stories of their grandparents and parents about the unforgettable days, about the soldiers who, together with their compatriots, created the legend of Vi Xuyen.

In April, when the whole country remembers the outstanding children who sacrificed for the independence and sovereignty of the nation, groups of war veterans still quietly return to burn incense for their comrades, sending words of gratitude to the houses that once opened their doors and sheltered the soldiers in the fire and bullets at the Vi Xuyen front. The love between the army and the people is like a stream that flows forever and is continued by concrete actions and close ties, because as war veteran Pham Kim Hoan said: "We may not remember all the names of our comrades, but we will never forget the kindness of the people of Ha Giang, that is what helped us overcome the most difficult years of our lives".

Article and photos: MOC LAN

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/xa-hoi/202504/tham-thiet-nghia-tinh-quan-dan-33e25e2/