On August 21, 2025, a spirit of vigilance and gratitude was palpable across Nghệ An province and Than Uyên commune, as the armed forces and local leaders came together to honor both readiness and remembrance. The day saw a blend of proactive defense measures and heartfelt gestures—reminding everyone that security and tradition often walk hand in hand in Vietnam.
According to reports from baolaichau.vn, senior officials from the Provincial Military Command and the People's Committee of Than Uyên commune paid a special visit to the home of People's Armed Forces Hero Tòng Văn Chô. The visit wasn’t just a formality; it was a genuine check-in on his health and daily life, a warm gesture that included gifts and words of encouragement. Comrades like Phan Văn Ngọc, Chairman of the People's Committee of Than Uyên commune, and representatives from the local Military Command joined in, highlighting the event’s significance for the entire community.
But why all this attention? The answer lies in Vietnam’s deeply rooted tradition of honoring those who have sacrificed for the nation. As the officials explained, their visit was about more than just a handshake or a photo opportunity. They encouraged Hero Tòng Văn Chô and his family to continue upholding revolutionary traditions and to pass down these values to future generations. "We hope you will keep promoting our revolutionary heritage, teaching your children and grandchildren, and helping to build an ever more prosperous homeland," one leader told the family. The emphasis was clear: the strength of the nation depends not just on soldiers in uniform, but on families and communities who carry forward the spirit of service and unity.
In a heartfelt response, Hero Tòng Văn Chô expressed deep gratitude to the Party, the State, and local authorities for their ongoing care. "We are very grateful to the Party, the State, and all levels of government for always caring, visiting, giving gifts, and encouraging the families of policy beneficiaries and those who have contributed to the revolution," he said, according to baolaichau.vn. He pledged that his family would continue to work towards economic growth and contribute to the development of Than Uyên commune. "In the coming time, our family will continue to develop the economy and join hands with villagers to build a more prosperous commune." These words weren’t just polite responses—they reflected a commitment to turning gratitude into action, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past fuel progress in the present.
This visit, while deeply personal, was also emblematic of a broader ethos in Vietnamese society and the People’s Army: “Đền ơn đáp nghĩa” (repaying gratitude) and “Uống nước nhớ nguồn” (remembering the source when drinking water). Such traditions remind everyone, especially the younger generation, of the importance of honoring those who have paved the way. According to baolaichau.vn, these acts of recognition and remembrance serve as powerful lessons—encouraging youth to study, work, and contribute to their communities with the same dedication as their forebears.
Meanwhile, the armed forces of Nghệ An province were demonstrating another side of national strength: unwavering readiness. As reported by local sources, on the same day—August 21, 2025—the Nghệ An armed forces maintained a proactive and prepared stance for any possible situation. This wasn’t just about drills or going through the motions. The forces consistently promoted a spirit of initiative, building what they call a strong "all-people national defense posture." In practical terms, that means making sure every level of society, from local officials to ordinary citizens, is ready to contribute to the nation’s security.
The commitment to readiness was evident in both regular training and the ability to respond swiftly to unexpected events. "This proactive approach is demonstrated not only in regular training and drills but also in the ability to timely handle all situations," local military leaders explained. The emphasis was on flexibility and speed—qualities that are increasingly important in a world where threats can emerge from anywhere, at any time.
But what does this mean for the people of Nghệ An and the broader region? For one, it helps maintain political stability, which is no small feat in today’s unpredictable climate. It also ensures that local security is protected from the ground up, making it less likely that problems will spiral out of control. "This contributes significantly to maintaining political stability and protecting local security and the country from the grassroots level," a military spokesperson noted. In other words, the readiness of the armed forces isn’t just about national defense in the abstract—it’s about keeping daily life safe and stable for ordinary people.
There’s a symbiotic relationship at play here: the armed forces rely on the support and vigilance of the community, while the community draws strength and reassurance from the military’s preparedness. Local leaders and military officials regularly encourage citizens to stay informed and proactive, ensuring that everyone understands their role in the broader defense strategy. This approach helps foster a sense of shared responsibility, making defense a collective effort rather than a distant concern left to professionals alone.
It’s also worth noting that these efforts are not carried out in isolation. The Vietnamese government, at all levels, has made it a priority to support both the armed forces and those who have contributed to the nation’s freedom and security. From regular visits and gifts to ongoing policy support, the message is clear: no one’s sacrifices are forgotten, and everyone has a role to play in building a better future.
For young people, these traditions and practices serve as both inspiration and challenge. They’re encouraged to study hard, work diligently, and contribute to the prosperity of their communities. The hope is that today’s youth will carry forward the same spirit of initiative and dedication that has characterized previous generations—whether in uniform or in civilian life.
In a world where headlines are often dominated by conflict and uncertainty, the events of August 21, 2025, in Nghệ An and Than Uyên commune offer a different kind of story. They remind us that security and gratitude are deeply intertwined, and that the strength of a nation depends as much on its traditions and values as on its military might. By honoring heroes and maintaining readiness, Vietnam continues to weave together the threads of past, present, and future—ensuring that the sacrifices of yesterday inspire the progress of tomorrow.
