At a July 31 meeting between General Secretary To Lam and representatives of veteran revolutionary cadres, pre-uprising participants, heroic Vietnamese mothers, military leaders, and heroes of the armed forces, many veterans shared wartime memories and how the younger generation is continuing their legacy in protecting the country's maritime sovereignty.

Colonel Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Commander of Brigade 162, Naval Region 4, emotionally recalled his father, Captain Vu Huy Le of HQ-505, a hero who directly defended Truong Sa in 1988. Captain Le passed away three years ago in his hometown of Hai Phong at the age of 76. During the Gac Ma incident on 14/3/1988, when HQ-604 was sunk, Captain Le steered HQ-505 directly onto Co Lin reef, turning it into a living landmark protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Colonel Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Commander of Brigade 162, son of Colonel Vu Huy Le, former captain of HQ-505, who directly defended Truong Sa on 14/3/1988. Photo: Giang Huy

Colonel Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Commander of Brigade 162, son of Colonel Vu Huy Le, former captain of HQ-505, who directly defended Truong Sa on 14/3/1988. Photo: Giang Huy

Tuan remembers that after the March 1988 incident, his father remained on the island, continuing his duty until the end of the year. He returned home thinner and darker from the sun and wind, carrying a square metal box filled with letters of encouragement from people, teachers, and students across the country sent to the soldiers of Truong Sa.

The 12-year-old boy didn't fully understand the events then, but he clearly felt the people's affection for those protecting the islands. After finishing school, he decided to join the navy, following in his father's footsteps. Having served in Truong Sa for many years, the captain's son now clearly sees that he is "continuing his father's honorable work".

"When he was alive, he always told us to strive our best in any position. That is how we repay our parents and sincerely thank those who have helped us in life," he said.

As Deputy Commander of Brigade 162 – the navy's most modern surface ship unit – Colonel Tuan said he is determined to build a strong unit, prepared for any situation, to firmly protect the country's sacred islands and continental shelf. For the 80th National Day, Brigade 162 will be one of the navy's core forces directly participating in the maritime parade.

The 20-year story of Colonel Huynh Tri, former Chief Political Officer of the An Giang Military Command (former), searching for his comrades moved him and many veteran officials to tears. "Many of my comrades who fought beside me died and remain lost. I am lucky to be alive, so I must find them to have peace of mind," he said, explaining why he retired 10 years early to search for his comrades' remains.

For over half a century, Colonel Tri remembered his comrade Tran Van Nghiep from his old platoon, who jokingly called him "brother-in-law." The front lines from 1969 onward became increasingly fierce. Nghiep once told him: "Brother-in-law, if I die, please bring me back to the cemetery when peace comes and hold an anniversary ceremony for me. Remember, okay?" After that, in early 1971, Nghiep was killed and buried in the Bay Nui area (former An Giang).

Colonel Huynh Tri, who retired 10 years early and spent 20 years searching for the remains of fallen soldiers. Photo: Giang Huy

Colonel Huynh Tri, who retired 10 years early and spent 20 years searching for the remains of fallen soldiers. Photo: Giang Huy

While working at the An Giang Provincial Military Command, Tri inquired about the whereabouts of his comrade’s remains, but to no avail. Haunted by his promise, he retired and returned to the Bay Nui area to continue his search. After gathering information, he found a site with remains, but when they were exhumed, he "wasn't sure it was his comrade, despite having a feeling." He touched the jawbone and found it wasn't intact, confirming it was Nghiep, who had injured his lower jaw in a battle in 1969.

"I felt dazed, and I told the remains, 'Nghiep, you waited for me until now...'," Tri trailed off, bursting into tears.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Tien Long, former Political Commissar of Military Region 3, has dedicated 15 years of his retirement to fostering Vietnam-Laos friendship, stemming from his affection for his neighboring friend from their years in the trenches. In 1964, 21-year-old Long joined the army and was assigned to the Northwest Military Region. That same year, his unit was deployed to Laos as volunteer soldiers. After completing their mission, the units were ordered to withdraw, but Long's unit stayed behind with Laos to protect the shared strategic area of the two countries.

The 82-year-old lieutenant general vividly remembers being stationed near the Phucut mountain range in the center of the Chum valley, Xieng Khouang province. The mountain range, over 1,700 m high, was the site of fierce battles fought by Vietnamese and Laotian troops. Long participated in many battles and was twice seriously wounded. His Laotian friends told him that American bombs and artillery shells had lowered the mountain peak by 7 m. After nine years of service, Long and his unit finally returned home in 1973.

"Looking back at history, we see that Vietnam and Laos are naturally bound by a shared border. Other border areas have seen differences at times, but the more than 2,300 km border with Laos has been peaceful for thousands of years," he said.

General Secretary To Lam meets and expresses gratitude to heroic Vietnamese mothers, morning of July 31 at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters. Photo: Giang Huy

General Secretary To Lam meets and expresses gratitude to heroic Vietnamese mothers, morning of July 31 at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters. Photo: Giang Huy

Attending the meeting, General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, extended greetings and wished good health to the representatives, "representatives of the heroic generation of a heroic nation," who contributed to the victories of the great resistance wars. Hearing their stories, he clearly felt the spirit of "the ever-resounding military march" in today's national construction and defense. Even after retirement, these soldiers still embody the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, fighting against wrongdoing and degeneration, and serving as role models for their families.

"The heartfelt opinions, exchanges, and recommendations of the representatives will be considered and addressed by all levels of government. If something can be done, it will be done immediately, especially regarding policies for those with meritorious service and the search for information on fallen soldiers, matters that the entire country is still concerned about," he said.

On this occasion, the General Secretary, on behalf of the Central Committee, reported to the representatives on the current situation of the country and future directions, especially preparations for the 14th National Party Congress, scheduled for Quarter I/2026. The Central Committee is preparing for the 14th Congress to "become a historic congress, marking a milestone for our country to enter an era of prosperity, sustainable development, and a warm, happy life for the people."

Hoang Phuong