Passing on the tradition of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” to the younger generation

Amid deepening international integration, educating the younger generation about the tradition of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” has become an urgent task. This effort helps young people gain a correct understanding of the history and tradition of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), fosters noble life ideals, nurtures patriotism, a sense of responsibility, and aspirations to contribute to the Fatherland.

Officers and soldiers of Regiment 935 guide students in folding and arranging personal belongings as part of barracks routine during their visit to the unit. Photo: Nga Son

On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – 2025), various units, localities and schools have coordinated to organize numerous vibrant and meaningful activities, creating opportunities for teenagers and children to experience and gain deeper insights into the VPA’s traditions.

Many meaningful activities

Three days ago, Tran Bien ward’s Youth Union in coordination with the ward’s Veterans Association organized the programme “Memories of the fiery years” for young people attending Youth Union awareness classes from Lac Hong Bilingual Primary–Secondary–High School (Tran Bien ward).

During the programme, prospective Youth Union members met and interacted with historical witnesses—those who lived through the flames of war and stand as vivid symbols of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese nation. They directly experienced years of hardship, facing bombs, losses and sacrifices to reclaim independence and freedom for the Fatherland.

Lam Tan Hung, a 12th-grade student, said that the programme helped him consolidate historical knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the noble qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers. These include courage and resilience in combat, readiness to sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland; close bonds with the people and wholehearted service to them; as well as diligence, thrift, integrity, righteousness and selflessness. Stories shared by historical witnesses, he added, serve as reminders for today’s younger generation to cherish peace and live with ideals and responsibility, worthy of continuing the legacy passed down by previous generations.

According to Le Hoang Phung, Secretary of the Trang Bom commune Youth Union, during the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the VPA’s founding this year, the Youth Union and the Vietnam Youth Federation of Trang Bom commune coordinated with the local Veterans Association to conduct revolutionary tradition education at 13 primary, secondary and high schools in the area. He noted that the outreach went beyond recounting the 81-year history of the VPA to include stories of comradeship and army–people solidarity during wartime, thereby passing on the tradition of Uncle Ho’s soldiers to children and youth.

Schools across the province have also coordinated with military units stationed locally to organize visits and learning activities on the traditions of the unit and the VPA. Lieutenant Colonel Dang Duc Cong, Political Commissar of Regiment 935 (Division 370, Air Defence–Air Force Service), based in Tran Bien ward, said that during the anniversary period, the Regiment welcomed dozens of schools with thousands of students visiting to learn about the Regiment’s history and the VPA’s tradition. These visits, he stressed, serve as a great source of encouragement for officers and soldiers to overcome difficulties and successfully fulfill assigned tasks, contributing to the continued writing of the VPA’s proud tradition.

Sustained and continuous education for the younger generation

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Duc Cong noted that every year, Regiment 935 maintains close coordination with schools in Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City to organize activities educating students about historical tradition and the legacy of the VPA, hold exchange activities between schools and military units, particularly around the December 22 anniversary.

Visits, exchanges and congratulatory activities on the occasion of the VPA’s traditional day are highly meaningful. Students not only have opportunities to tour and experience military life but also learn about the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure today’s peace. In addition, they can observe firsthand the living, studying and working conditions of officers and soldiers on duty at the regiment. Such vivid, hands-on educational activities help nurture trust and confidence among young people in the VPA from an early age.

The 81st anniversary of the VPA’s founding is also an occasion for Dong Nai’s younger generation to express gratitude to heroic martyrs, families of fallen soldiers and those who rendered meritorious service to the revolution. Activities include visits to martyrs’ cemeteries, memorial temples and monuments; courtesy visits and gift-giving to policy beneficiary families; trips to historical sites; as well as propaganda and performances of revolutionary songs.

Having taken part in many battles and witnessed comrades fall on the battlefield, veteran Le Hong Thai, 76, residing in Trung Dung Quarter, Tran Bien ward, deeply understands the value of peace. He emphasized that education on revolutionary traditions and the VPA’s legacy must be conducted carefully, regularly and continuously. He expressed hope that today’s and future generations would view history and the contributions of their forebears objectively, without being swayed by harmful and misleading information on social media.

When the younger generation develops correct awareness, the flame of tradition will be kept alive, serving as a guiding torch and a driving force inspiring them to live with ideals and aspirations, ready to devote their intellect and youth to building and firmly defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

By Nga Son – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha