The sad news arrived on the afternoon of 26/8 while Huy was training with his comrades at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism (Son Tay, Hanoi).
The A80 organizing committee offered to send Huy home with an officer to mourn his father, but the private first class requested to stay and continue his duties as a key member of the formation. "My absence would affect many people. I believe my father would understand," Huy said.
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Private first class Phan Gia Huy training in Hanoi, morning of 26/8. Photo: Xuan Dien |
Private first class Phan Gia Huy training in Hanoi, morning of 26/8. Photo: Xuan Dien
Huy's family consists of four members. His father, Phan Thanh Son, 57, had been ill for many years. His father had always wished to see his son march in the parade in Ba Dinh Square on National Day. Huy saw staying as a way to both keep his last promise to his father and fulfill his duty to the nation.
When Huy enlisted in early 2025, his father was already frail, and Huy had few opportunities to visit home. He couldn't be present when his father passed away. "This isn't heartlessness; it's Huy's way of fulfilling his father's wish," said Khanh Nhi, 26, Huy's older sister.
Huy has been in Hanoi since late May, participating in the parade to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day. Khanh Nhi and others regularly sent messages, encouraging him to stay healthy and focus on his duties.
In his sister's eyes, Huy is quiet but affectionate and always thinks of his family. On the day of his father's funeral, the private first class called and said, "On 2/9, remember to turn on the TV for Dad to see me." "Hearing that, I was choked up," Nhi said.
Khanh Nhi has noticed a marked change in Huy since he enlisted. From a sometimes hesitant young man, he has become determined, responsible, and puts the collective before himself. This maturity and resilience is what makes the family most proud.
Comrade Quoc Quan, commander of the 3rd Battalion, said Private first class Huy is serious about his work and always completes his assigned tasks well. During the parade training, he demonstrated high discipline, obeyed orders, and put his all into each exercise.
"Despite the family's grief, Huy remained calm and asked to return home after 2/9, when he had completed his duties," he said.
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The A80 Battalion Command and the Parade Organizing Committee of Military Zone 4 offer condolences to Gia Huy. Photo: Xuan Dien |
The A80 Battalion Command and the Parade Organizing Committee of Military Zone 4 offer condolences to Gia Huy. Photo: Xuan Dien
The 324th Division sent officers to offer condolences and coordinate with Huy's family for the funeral arrangements.
On 27/8, authorized by the Military Command of Military Zone 4, a delegation from the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command, led by Senior Colonel Truong Nhu Y, Deputy Political Commissar, visited and offered condolences to Private first class Phan Gia Huy's family.
Senior Colonel Nhu Y and the delegation offered their condolences, encouraged the family to overcome their grief, and discussed Huy's training and duties.
The family expressed their gratitude for the timely care, encouragement, and sharing from the Military Command of Military Zone 4 and the Quang Tri Provincial Military Command, allowing Phan Gia Huy to focus on his work and training.
Ngoc Ngan
