In his article "When drinking water, remember the source" published on 23/7, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that every July, the Vietnamese people express their deep gratitude and remembrance for those who sacrificed for the independence, freedom, and peace of the Fatherland. July 27th is an occasion for the entire Party, people, and army to express their profound gratitude to the families of those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution.

The General Secretary emphasized that the tradition of "when drinking water, remember the source" is a sacred bond connecting generations, a source of spiritual strength for the nation to overcome all difficulties and build an increasingly prosperous and civilized country. The nation's 4,000-year history "is an eternal epic of patriotism, indomitable will, and unwavering fighting spirit, a tribute from the living to those who dedicated their lives to the country."

He affirmed that there would be no today, no innovative, developing, and deeply integrated Vietnam without the sweat and blood of generations of revolutionary soldiers, troops, youth volunteers, civilian laborers on the front lines, and parents willing to encourage their children to go to war, shouldering hardships, sacrifices, and losses with the spirit of "determined to die for the Fatherland's survival" and "everything for the front lines."

Quoting President Ho Chi Minh's advice on commemorating martyrs and the responsibility of caring for wounded soldiers and their families, the General Secretary said that recently, many preferential policies have been enacted; many gratitude houses and July 27th gifts have reached those with meritorious service throughout the country. Important documents like Directive 14 of the Party Secretariat in 2017, Resolution 42 of the Central Committee in 2023, and the Ordinance on preferential treatment for people with meritorious service are testaments to the deep affection, morality, and responsibility of the Party, State, and people towards those who were "absolutely loyal to the country, absolutely filial to the people."

General Secretary To Lam. Photo: Quynh Tran

Expanding policies for those whose contributions haven't been fully recognized

The General Secretary requested continued strengthening of the leadership and direction of Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front, and mass organizations in caring for and protecting the rights of those with meritorious service; ensuring that preferential policies are implemented fully, promptly, and without formality. At the same time, agencies need to review and improve policies towards fairness and transparency, extending them to those who have made real contributions but have not yet been fully recognized; and reforming administrative procedures for certification and settlement of benefits.

Focusing resources on improving the material and spiritual lives of those with meritorious services, especially in remote areas, border regions, islands, and former revolutionary and resistance bases, needs attention. Localities should promote gratitude programs such as building and repairing gratitude houses, supporting healthcare, functional rehabilitation, vocational training, and creating sustainable jobs for the children of those with meritorious service.

The General Secretary also requested promoting the supervisory role of the people, the Front, and organizations in policy implementation, while strictly handling acts of profiteering and fraud. He urged promoting the communication and education of patriotic traditions and gratitude towards those with meritorious service, especially among the younger generation, integrating this content into educational programs and extracurricular activities in schools and agencies.

The application of digital technology in building databases of those with meritorious service, connecting management systems, and supporting the search for martyrs' remains needs to be promoted. Simultaneously, advancements in science and technology should be applied in the search, gathering, and identification of martyrs' remains still lacking information.

The Party leader requested that gratitude, memorial, and honoring activities for those with meritorious service be organized practically and thoughtfully, avoiding formality and waste. The movements "Paying the debt of gratitude" and "The whole population cares for those with meritorious service" must be linked to building new rural areas, civilized urban areas, national defense, and social security.

"These tasks need to be concretized into action programs in each locality, agency, and organization with the highest sense of responsibility, deeply expressing gratitude for the great sacrifices of wounded soldiers, martyrs, and those with meritorious service to the revolution," the General Secretary said.

>> Article by the General Secretary: "When drinking water, remember the source"

Vu Tuan