Special memories of Independence Day of those who went through the war

Mr. Bui Don - pre-uprising cadre, Thach Son commune (Anh Son)

“I was born and raised in Lang Dien area, now Thach Son commune (Anh Son). This year I am over 95 years old, 75 years in the Party, my life has gone through many ups and downs, joys and sorrows, but I cannot forget the joy of September 2, 1945, the day our country officially declared independence, Uncle Ho read “Declaration of Independence", giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

That day, all the villages hung red flags with yellow stars, people temporarily put aside their work to cheer and celebrate Independence Day...

President Ho Chi Minh reads the "Declaration of Independence" at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. Photo: File

Before that, people everywhere lived in hunger and poverty, many had nothing to eat and were starving to death. People hated the French colonialists, Japanese fascists and their feudal lackeys. Therefore, when the Viet Minh issued the ordergeneral uprising, all rose up together, joined the demonstration, and participated in the struggle to bring power into the hands of the revolution.

At that time, I was a young man who had been enlightened with revolutionary ideals and was assigned by the Viet Minh organization to join the Red Self-Defense Force. Swords in hand, we led the demonstration group from Lang Dien to Anh Son district to fight against the Japanese fascists and feudal tyrants.

Photo: Cong Kien

Then, returning on the night of August 22, 1945, the self-defense force entered Kim Nhan post (today's Phuc Son commune) to join the struggle and protect the revolutionary masses. Before the fighting spirit of the masses, the Japanese soldiers were terrified and had to lay down their weapons and surrender.

September 2,President Ho Chi MinhReading the "Declaration of Independence" at Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi), giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, I and the members of the Red Guard were assigned the task of patrolling, protecting and handling unexpected situations.

Wherever we go, we can witness the joyful atmosphere, happier than on the traditional New Year because from now on, slavery will be eliminated, a life of freedom will be lived and a good life awaits...".

Colonel Ho Huu Lan - former Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Region 4

“I spent more than 40 years in the military, 12 of which were spent in the Southern battlefield. Now 82 years old, I still remember clearly the times I celebrated Independence Day in the midst of fierce battlefields, especially the Independence Day in 1969.

That year, our unit operated in the mountainous region of Western Thua Thien, under extremely difficult and fierce conditions. However, the unit was still determined to organize a welcoming ceremony.Independence Daymore presentable than usual by contributing dry food and sugar to cook porridge, going into the forest together to find more vegetables and bamboo shoots to improve the meal and make the atmosphere more cheerful and optimistic.

Photo: Cong Kien

But then, the next day when they received the news of Uncle Ho’s passing, all the officers and soldiers were filled with immense grief. Some cried out loud, some tried to hide their tears, everyone was in pain and sorrow.

It seemed that the earth, sky, mountains and forests also understood people's hearts, so they poured down heavy rain, as if crying together, saying goodbye to the deceased.leaderwith endless love to the world of the wise. Just as To Huu wrote: “Life sheds tears, the sky pours rain”. Our unit was ordered to set up an altar to commemorate and hold a memorial service for President Ho Chi Minh.

In the fierce war conditions and shortages of all kinds, the brothers in the unit tried to set up the most solemn altar, expressing their respect and infinite sorrow.

During those days, the officers and soldiers of the unit were all filled with worries and concerns, because the resistance war against the US to save the country had not yet been completed, and Uncle Ho had passed away...

But then, with the encouragement of superiors that Uncle Ho had passed away, there was still the Politburo and his excellent students to lead the revolution.resistancewill definitely win. That has strengthened the determination to fight and win, to carry out Uncle Ho's instructions and wishes when he was alive...".

Mr. Nguyen Huu Chau - Vice President of the Association of Revolutionary Soldiers captured and imprisoned by the enemy in Nghe An province

“During the resistance war against the US to save the country, I fought with my unit in Quang Tri. In 1970, during a fierce battle, I was wounded and unfortunately captured by the enemy, taken to Dong Ha, then Da Nang for interrogation.

Unable to get any information, the enemy took me to prison.Phu Quoc Prison, a place considered “hell on earth”. I celebrated 3 Independence Day in this exiled place, a place that tested the spirit and mettle of communist soldiers.

In the imperial prison, on holidays, Tet and the anniversary of the founding of the Party, the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, and birthdaysUncle Ho, we all celebrated. On these occasions, the enemy was always vigilant, ready to suppress, and plant agents in the rooms to monitor and find ways to prevent, especially on the occasion of Independence Day.

Photo: Cong Kien

In prison, the revolutionary soldiers built a secret organization to lead their comrades to continue the struggle. Every time Independence Day came, we received orders to celebrate the New Year secretly and discreetly, so that the enemy would not discover and suppress or take revenge.

On the night of September 2, after dinner, the brothers in the cell received orders to turn off the lights to celebrate the anniversary.National Day. Then a very small voice said: “Everyone turn to face North!”, “Everyone sing the National Anthem, sing softly, loud enough for only me to hear. Imagine there is a national flag fluttering in front of you!”.

We obediently followed the commander's orders. At that moment, a sacred emotion welled up in our hearts. In the dark prison cell, the prison guards outside could not detect us, and even if there were a spy inside, they could not point out the commander and the organization.