40 years of the Northern Border War: Part II - Memories of "those who guarded the border"

Nearly 40 years have passed, but the soldiers returning from the northern border battlefield still retain intact their memories of the arduous, fierce and heroic days of fighting. For them, it is one of the most memorable periods in their lives to leave behind for future generations a glorious time of “The Border Guards” (the title of a recently published book edited by Ngo Van Hoc).

In Tao Son commune (Anh Son), there are 4 veterans (including Le Ngoc Tuy, Nguyen Van Chien, Nguyen Viet Ban and Nguyen Van Que) who were soldiers of Division 356 (Military Region 2). This was one of the divisions participating in protecting the northern border, fighting at the Vi Xuyen Front (Ha Giang) almost throughout the war (1979 - 1989). Now, after decades of returning to their homeland, some participate in social work, some plow and some hoe, but all keep sacred memories. Every time they meet, memories of the battlefield come flooding back, the soldiers of the past seem to be reliving the atmosphere of the battlefield with so many joys and sorrows.