Vibrant blue of youth on journeys along Dong Nai’s borderlands

March, the Month of Youth, concluded with a meaningful journey marked by the signature blue shirts of Youth Union members across the country. In Dong Nai, the 95th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931-2026) offered a chance to reflect on the practical contributions of young people in border regions.

Through a series of practical and meaningful activities, Youth Month has left a strong impression of the pioneering spirit, responsibility, and the aspiration to contribute to the community.

Cadres, soldiers, Youth Union members, and young people take part in a flag-raising ceremony at a border marker. Photo: Thuy Tien

A “blue-shirted” imprint at the border areas

Amid the peaceful setting of hamlet 4 in Hung Phuoc border commune, rows of roads adorned with the red national flags have become a vivid symbol of the spirit of Dong Nai’s youth. The “National Flag Road” project, implemented by the Commune Youth Union with 40 flagpoles, not only beautified the landscape but also strongly inspired patriotism and pride among residents.

Inauguration of the “National Flag Road” in Hung Phuoc commune. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

“Since the installation of the flagpoles, the appearance of the area has changed significantly. It not only beautifies the roads but also makes residents feel more proud of their homeland and country,” said Vu Khac Tang, a resident of hamlet 4, Hung Phuoc commune.

Alongside this initiative, the Hung Phuoc Commune Youth Union has carried out a range of practical activities tailored to the specific characteristics of this border area. Recognizing its role as a key locality for national defense and security, the Commune Youth Union has strengthened communication on safeguarding national border security and preventing crime, while also supporting disadvantaged students and integrating life skills and adolescent health education. Each small action contributes to raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility among residents.

The lively atmosphere during a tug-of-war game between Youth Union members, young people and border guard officers and soldiers. Photo: Thuy Tien

Apart from such meaningful activities, the Youth Union of Hung Phuoc commune has also organized cultural, artistic, and sports exchanges and presented many gifts to border guard forces. Through these efforts, the Youth Union’s role as a bridge has been increasingly affirmed while spreading the profound message that safeguarding territorial sovereignty and national border security is not only the duty of soldiers who guard the borders day and night but also the sacred responsibility of every citizen toward the Fatherland.

Gifts are presented to officers and soldiers of the Hoang Dieu Border Guard Station. Photo: Thuy Tien

This pioneering spirit is not limited to Hung Phuoc commune but has also spread strongly to other border communes, including Loc Thanh. Here, the Commune Youth Union has actively coordinated with local residents through the meaningful activity in the “Joining Hands to Build New-style Rural Areas” campaign, with more than 100 trees planted and cared for along inter-communal roads. With the message “Planting trees - nurturing the future,” the Youth Union conveyed the idea that protecting the living environment is, in essence, protecting the green seedlings of the nation.

The Loc Thanh Commune Youth Union launches a tree-planting campaign.

“In particular, nearly 40% of the population in Loc Thanh belongs to ethnic minority groups. Therefore, on this occasion, the commune’s Youth Union also mobilized ethnic minority youth to participate in activities, strengthening unity within the youth force,” said Nguyen Le Duy, Deputy Secretary of the Loc Thanh Commune Youth Union.

The Youth Month was also marked by the Loc Tan Commune Youth Union through vibrant activities such as “Green Sunday” campaigns and sports exchanges with officers and soldiers of Loc Tan and Loc Thien Border Guard Stations. Nguyen Ngoc Tram, Secretary of the Loc Tan Commune Youth Union, noted that this year’s Youth Month carries special significance as it coincides with preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. The Commune Youth Union has actively supported local authorities in organizing polling stations, helping ensure safety, public order, and thorough preparations.

Inspiring the aspiration to contribute

Beyond practical activities at the local level, Dong Nai’s youth have also turned toward their roots through meaningful “return to the roots” journeys. In Loc Thanh commune - a northern border locality of the province - Youth Union members took part in the program “Journey to the Roots - Visiting Historical Sites” at the Ta Thiet Historical Site, where they offered incense and flowers in tribute to fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom. In a space imbued with historical significance, the stories brought to life helped younger generations gain a deeper understanding of the country’s heroic past, while fostering pride and a sense of responsibility to uphold and preserve the proud traditions of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Members of Loc Thanh Commune Police Youth Union Branch visit Ta Thiet Historical Site.

In Bu Gia Map border commune, through activities such as visiting war veterans, cleaning and maintaining the memorial site marking the endpoint of the VK96 fuel pipeline - one of the key logistical routes serving the Ho Chi Minh Campaign - Youth Union members and young people expressed deep gratitude for the quiet sacrifices of previous generations through practical actions. These activities not only preserve historical memory but also help spread traditional values and foster a stronger sense of responsibility among today’s generation.

Youth Union members and young people of Bu Gia Map commune offer incense at the historical relic of the endpoint of the VK96 fuel pipeline.

Through a wide range of practical and meaningful activities, March became a vibrant journey of the blue-shirted youth across Dong Nai’s border regions. It helped ignite a spirit of enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong aspiration to contribute among young people in the nation’s new era. Geographical distance was shortened by the footsteps of volunteers returning to these border areas.

Following the merger, Dong Nai now has eight border communes: Loc Thanh, Loc Thanh, Loc Tan, Tan Tien, Thien Hung, Hung Phuoc, Bu Gia Map, and Dak O, with a border line of over 258 km adjoining the Kingdom of Cambodia.

“Although these are small actions, they allow us to contribute our youth to the locality, appreciate historical values, and strengthen the bond between the military and the people in border areas. It makes me proud to wear the Youth Union’s blue shirts,” said Vu Thi Hoan from Bu Tam Hamlet, Hung Phuoc commune.

Phan The Cong, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union, emphasized that after the merger, Dong Nai province has 8 border communes. Therefore, the Provincial Youth Union has identified that, alongside ongoing activities, raising awareness and educating youth union members and residents to participate in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and national border security will remain a key and continuous task in the coming period.

By Thu Hue, Thuy Tien, Minh Hanh – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha