Fifty years since the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, Vietnam has had enough time for the smoke and fire of war to fade into the past, giving way to unity, reconstruction and the building of a prosperous life as the nation rises towards strength and prosperity. The nation has grown stronger and more affluent, built upon the foundations of solidarity and tireless effort. And indeed, the more peaceful and prosperous the nation becomes, the more future generations must forever remember the sacrifices and bloodshed of their forefathers—those who gave their lives and devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the beloved homeland of Vietnam.
The gathering to honor military generals and heroic Vietnamese mothers in Ho Chi Minh city, along with a series of activities towards the families of martyrs, revolutionary contributors and wounded veterans across the country these days, embodies the deep humanistic spirit and the national tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source”. Fifty years after the Great Spring Victory of 1975, those who once marched onto the battlefield, the wives and mothers who sent their husbands and sons to the front lines, have now reached old age—many have already departed for the realm of white clouds. Every time we celebrate the Victory Day, Reunification Day — the day when the whole country sings joyful songs — we cannot help, but remember and be proud of them: generations of ordinary-but- extraordinary people who set out, fought and sacrificed for a noble cause, for the future of the country and for future generations.
In Binh Duong, over the past several days, numerous activities have been held to pay tribute to the sacrifices and losses endured by generals, heroic Vietnamese mothers, war invalids, martyrs and families who have rendered great service to the nation. These efforts have been carried out with profound care and the utmost respect. Provincial and local leaders have directly visited and presented gifts of gratitude to these individuals, extending their deepest appreciation. Along with that there is thoughtful attention from policies to housing and many essential issues to meet the material and spiritual needs of policy beneficiary families, revolutionary contributors, families of martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers. Through departments and organizations, every year, the construction of gratitude houses, the donation of household equipment, the care of heroic Vietnamese mothers, the support of families of wounded soldiers to develop the economy and the care of their children in all aspects... have been carried out extensively and meaningfully. Gratitude is never enough because the sacrifices and contributions to the peaceful homeland of generals, heroic Vietnamese mothers, wounded soldiers, martyrs and their relatives are immense.
The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification and all future commemorations serve as solemn reminders of the generations who laid down their lives and devoted themselves to the nation. It is a time for us to once again take pride in and forever engrave in our hearts about the glorious pages of our nation's history.
Reported by Trieu Phong-Translated by Kim Tin
