For this veteran, recuperating at the Long Dat Center for Wounded Soldiers and Revolutionary Contributors (Long Dien Commune, TP HCM), "knowing the next generation remembers us is heartwarming enough.".

Sergeant Nguyen Chi Tuong with the daughter of a Vinamilk employee at the Long Dat Center for Wounded Soldiers and Revolutionary Contributors. Photo: Thanh Binh

The drawings for veterans are part of Vinamilk's initiative to honor the previous generation, commemorating the 78th anniversary of Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs Day (27/7/1947-27/7/2025). After a month-long campaign, the program received over 100 drawings from children of company employees nationwide and children benefiting from the Vietnam Reach for the Stars Milk Fund.

Mr. Tuong's drawing depicts a veteran with a prosthetic leg and a head wound, painting a picture of a smiling student embraced by a teacher. Doves, symbols of peace, soar overhead.

The veteran smiled, saying he saw himself in the image. He is a class 1/4 severely wounded soldier, with an 81% disability rating. In addition to a prosthetic leg, his right arm is shorter than his left due to a wound contraction, and shrapnel remains lodged in his head and spine.

"Every wounded soldier here is a 'rice-powered weather forecaster.' We might not be accurate about the intensity, but we know if it will rain or shine tomorrow before anyone else," Mr. Tuong shared. He explained that with changing weather, their wounds ache, keeping the veterans, especially amputees and those with traumatic brain injuries, awake at night.

Despite this, he considers himself the healthiest at the center. 45 other specially classified wounded soldiers reside there, with disability ratings from 81% to 100%. Returning from the American War and the Southwestern border defense, they carry the war's lasting effects. Beneath their uniforms are bodies scarred by bombs and bullets, or prosthetic limbs.

"We may be physically disadvantaged, but we are blessed with affection. Having these children – the offspring of Vinamilk employees – visit today brings me the same joy as seeing my own grandchildren after a long absence," Mr. Tuong expressed.

Wounded soldiers at Long Dat take a commemorative photo with the children of Vinamilk employees. Photo: Thanh Binh

Doctor Tong Duc Binh, the center's director, likened the drawings Vinamilk brought to "hugs connecting the past and future". He believes this is a practical way to teach younger generations gratitude for those who sacrificed their youth and bodies for national independence.

"Besides nutritional products for physical health, these drawings from the second and third generations of Vinamilk families are a precious morale booster, supporting the veterans in their battle against pain and their efforts to live joyfully," Dr. Binh stated. To the center's medical staff, these veterans are not just soldiers returned from past battlefields, but living testaments to the sacrifices of the previous generation.

Over 100 drawings, created with the innocence and sincerity of children nationwide, were also sent to three other veteran care centers in Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and TP HCM. According to the organizers, each drawing is a thank you, a dream of peace, and a connection between today's generation and those who sacrificed their youth for the country.

Veterans at the Nho Quan Center for Wounded Soldiers (Nho Quan Commune, Ninh Binh Province) admire the children's drawings. Photo: Duy Cuong

At the Nho Quan Center for Wounded Soldiers (Ninh Binh), Mr. Pham Tuyen, Director of Vinamilk's Hanoi Branch, presented the drawings to the 143 wounded soldiers, family members of those who served their country, currently receiving care there. He was moved: "We believe that each drawing is not only a thank you to those who came before us but also a quiet way to sow the seeds of gratitude in young hearts."

In addition to the drawing activity, in commemoration of the 78th anniversary of Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs Day, Vinamilk also donated over 18,000 nutritional products to support the health of veterans and families of those who served the country.

In Vinh Long, Vinamilk participated in the "Gratitude to those who contributed to the revolution" market in Dong Khoi Commune. Through this zero-dong market, the company donated thousands of nutritional gifts to approximately 1,700 attendees.

Nutritional gifts like Vinamilk 100% fresh milk and Sure Prevent Gold, which aids sleep, contribute to the veterans' physical well-being. Photo: Thanh Binh

Vinamilk's initiatives to honor the previous generation extend beyond the 27th of July and have been ongoing for nearly half a century. Notably, their 30-year commitment to caring for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and supporting families of employees who are children of martyrs. Most recently, on the 50th anniversary of national reunification, Vinamilk visited and donated 12,000 nutritional products to over 650 wounded soldiers at care centers in Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, and Hanoi. The dairy company also participated in the 50th anniversary of National Reunification Day celebration organized by the Standing Committee of the War Veterans Association of the Southern Central Office in Tay Ninh.

Kim Anh