Ho Chi Minh City honors resilience of war widows and veterans' wives

Ho Chi Minh City has honored the wives of fallen soldiers and severely wounded veterans, recognizing their strength and quiet perseverance in the face of immense loss. These women have served as steadfast pillars for their families, particularly in the challenging aftermath of the war.

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The city's achievements are built upon the blood and sacrifices of many generations for the nation's independence and freedom.

The event, jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Command and the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union, was themed 'Gratitude to the Fire Keepers.' It brought together relatives of martyrs and spouses of severely disabled veterans to acknowledge their enduring spirit. The occasion served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made not only on the battlefield but also on the home front.

One attendee, Mrs. Pham My Lan, shared memories of her wedding to Mr. Le Van Mien, a veteran with a severe leg injury. Their wedding in 1983 was a simple affair with only cake and tea, held at a veteran recovery center. Despite the scarcity of the times, the ceremony was filled with the camaraderie of Mr. Mien's fellow soldiers. Mrs. Lan described her husband as a symbol of resilience, a soldier who, despite lifelong injuries, never surrendered to fate and remained a strong spiritual support for his family.

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History remembers not only those who directly fought and bravely sacrificed on the battlefield but also those who quietly bore hardships in the rear.

Mrs. Huynh Thi Thuy Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union, spoke about the women who dedicated their youth, love, and lives to caring for their husbands, overcoming wartime losses. The union is undertaking various activities, including traditional education, visits to Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, veterans, and policy families, as well as participating in campaigns to locate and identify the remains of fallen soldiers and organizing 'Meals of Gratitude' and 'Buses of Love.'

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Caring for those who have contributed to the nation is both a political responsibility and a moral imperative, a 'command from the heart.'

Ms. Van Thi Bach Tuyet, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, conveyed greetings to the honorees, stating that the city's progress toward civilization and modernity is built upon the sacrifices of past generations. She affirmed that history remembers not only those who fought and died but also those who silently supported from the rear, enabling soldiers to fight with peace of mind. She stressed that caring for those who have contributed to the nation is both a political responsibility and a moral imperative, driven by genuine emotion and concrete, sustainable actions.

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The wedding that year had only cake and tea. Life was busy and lacking, but the ceremony had all the comrades, full of affection.