Major General Doan Hung Minh: From April 30, thinking about tears

Editor’s note: 50 years after the historic victory, the country has entered a new era – building a glorious, bright future for the nation. On this special anniversary, VietNamNet introduces a series of articles with the theme “April 30th – a new era”.

Here, experts, military experts, and historical witnesses share memories, lessons, and experiences from the victory of the resistance war against the US to save the country.

VietNamNet invites readers to "visit" political bases in the heart of the enemy: Cu Chi tunnels, Rung Sac war zone, Vuon Thom base, Ban Co labor area, commando bunkers in Saigon's inner city...

And most especially, readers will meet again the "living monuments", the rare remaining witnesses of historical moments.

VietNamNet respectfully introduces an article by Major General, Associate Professor, Dr. Doan Hung Minh - former Deputy Director of the General Department of Defense Industry.

In April 50 years ago, 15, 16 year old boys like us woke up early every morning, glued our ears to the radio to update the latest news. Yesterday Hue was liberated, today Da Nang, Nha Trang…

On March 29, 1975, after 22 hours of rapid and fierce attack, our army completely liberated Da Nang. Photo: VNA file

Then the whole family burst into tears when we heard the news that Saigon was completely liberated on April 30. The first person my mother and I thought of was my father. No one knew where he was on the battlefield in the South at that time.

Every time my father went to the South to fight, my mother never cried. But the only time she couldn’t hold back her tears was when she visited my siblings and me at the evacuation camp before leaving for the South. My mother’s silent tears that night still wake me up many nights, missing her terribly.

On April 30, 1975, what my whole family wanted more than anything was for my father to be safe and that he was entering Saigon with the liberation army. It was not until more than a week later that my father was able to send news to the North. Only then was the joy of victory truly complete.

But how many other families do not have that happiness? How many mothers and wives have silently shed tears for their loved ones who cannot return?

On the winning streak, from April 30, 1975, the people and soldiers of the Southeast provinces and the Mekong Delta simultaneously launched strong attacks and uprisings, liberating the remaining provinces one by one. On May 1, 1975, the entire mainland territory of South Vietnam was completely liberated. In the photo: From the roads, our troops advanced to liberate Ca Mau town, the southernmost land of the Fatherland. Photo: Hua Kiem - VNA

My father told me that right after April 30, he drove his Jeep all over Saigon to find his younger sister's house - who had gone to the South since 1954. When he saw a car carrying Communist cadres stop in front of the door, my aunt's whole family was very panicked. But when she recognized the familiar smile of her real brother, my aunt burst into tears... Regardless of which side of the war they stood on, the day of peace and reunion was a great happiness for all Vietnamese people.

When the war began, countless families were broken and separated, some from the North and some from the South. Tears at that time were a fragile hope. When the My Lai massacre occurred, tears became an echo that touched the conscience of humanity. The entire nation shed tears when Uncle Ho passed away, while the war was still escalating fiercely. Those tears were an oath, a promise that the entire nation kept in their hearts.

The "rain of bombs and bullets" that rained down on Quang Tri Citadel and Thach Han River was so fierce that it dried up all tears. When Kham Thien was carpet-bombed, the tears were not only of pain but also of the cry of longing for peace.

Children who grew up during the war like us have witnessed, felt those tears and will never forget.

Every time we celebrate the Great Victory, we mention the great contributions of heroes, martyrs, and outstanding generals and leaders, and that is absolutely right. But please remember the tears - because they are the silent sacrifices of so many people...

People of Saigon city held a rally to welcome the launch of the City Military Management Committee on May 7, 1975. Photo: Minh Loc - VNA

It is said that “War has no woman’s face”. But in the memories of war of children growing up during that difficult time, there is an indispensable image of tears on the faces of ordinary women, including my mother. It is both haunting and motivating to help people understand how precious peace is.

Tears are not always a sign of sadness or weakness. Sometimes, they are a sign of deep love and boundless happiness. On this April 30th, I suddenly realized something greater: Tears are the source of life energy that a whole generation of wartime people have devoted their whole lives to the Fatherland. Even though I know this, I still always wish: Never again, and no one, will have to shed tears because of war.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thieu-tuong-doan-hung-minh-tu-ngay-30-4-nghi-ve-nhung-giot-nuoc-mat-2392625.html