Memories of a revolutionary veteran through 103 springs

A lifetime for the revolution

One morningspring, we visited Mr. Hoang Van Bang's house - a small house located in the middle of Quyet Tien hamlet, Khanh Hop commune (formerly Long Dong hamlet, Nghi Khanh commune, Nghi Loc). In the living room, the owner was engrossed in a new newspaper, in the garden, a flock of birds were hopping from branch to branch and chirping melodiously.

At the age of 103, Mr. Hoang Van Bang can still walk around the house and his memory is still sharp. Photo: Cong Kien

“I just stay at home, I don’t have the energy to go out, so I have to read newspapers and watch TV to know what’s happening every day, otherwise I will be clueless. The Covid-19 epidemic seems to be getting more complicated, I hope the epidemic will be pushed back soon so that people can do business” - Mr. Bang started the story.

In the conversation,revolutionary veteranAt the age of 103, he told stories about his life, his memories told through his words like a slow motion film.

Born into a family with a rich tradition of patriotism and revolution, Mr. Hoang Van Thac - Mr. Bang's father - was a party member from 1930 - 1931, and was also one of the first party members to participate in establishing the party cell in Nghi Khanh commune.

Every day, Mr. Hoang Van Bang reads the newspaper to keep up with the news. Photo: Cong Kien

At that time, only 12-13 years old, Mr. Bang was assigned by his father and friends to guard meetings and deliver secret documents, and distribute leaflets during demonstrations. After that, his father and many other comrades were captured by the enemy, brutally tortured, and sent to Buon Ma Thuot prison. Many years later, they were released and returned to their hometown to continue their activities.

Like his fathers and uncles, Mr. Bang always maintained his integrity, did not confess a word and continued the struggle in prison. When released from prison, he continued to take part in the Indochina Anti-Imperialist Youth Movement, preparing to concentrate forces for the general uprising. In August 1945, in the atmosphere of the earth-shaking struggle, the young man from Long Dong village was present in the Red Self-Defense Force entering the government to take power into the hands of the people.

Mr. Hoang Van Bang searches for souvenirs. Photo: Cong Kien

After the revolution, Mr. Hoang Van Bang enthusiastically participated in local movements and was admitted to the Party in 1949.

“At that time, there were few party members and the revolution was still difficult. Being able to join the Party was a source of pride for the whole family and the village. The responsibility was also extremely great, one had to devote all one’s spirit and will to serving the revolution for life.”

Mr. Hoang Van Bang

When the resistanceanti-FrenchEntering the fierce period, Mr. Bang voluntarily enlisted in the army and was present in the Northwest battlefield, operating mainly in the Yen Bai area. After the war ended, the son of Long Dong village returned to continue contributing to the construction of his homeland, participating in social activities until he was old and weak. During the most difficult period, partly because Mr. Bang was absorbed in activities, partly because of the lack of conditions, his 4 children fell ill and died at a young age.

Time-stamped souvenirs

The more we talked with Mr. Hoang Van Bang, the more we were interested in the clarity and memory of a person who has passed his 103rd spring. In particular, Mr. Bang is keeping souvenirs that are about half a century old, which were associated with his parents and his own life. Most of them are personal papers, documents and photos capturing moments when visiting and meeting heads of state.

The document “Resolution of the 14th Central Conference of the Vietnam Workers’ Party” printed in 1958 is being kept by Mr. Hoang Van Bang. Photo: Cong Kien

Among them, the oldest is the job application of Mr. Hoang Van Thac written in 1956, sent to the District Party Committee andProvincial Party Committee. The content of the application is Mr. Thac's wish to work at a farm in the province, suitable to his ability after many years of participating in the revolution. Next is the document "Resolution of the 14th Central Conference, Vietnam Workers' Party" printed in 1958; Mr. Hoang Van Thac's certificate of completion of the basic training course in 1961...

Mr. Bang's memento also includes a photo of him shaking hands with President Vo Chi Cong and a photo of General Secretary Do Muoi receiving a delegation of veteran officials from Nghe An province, including Mr. Bang. These were the times Mr. Bang had the honor of following the delegation to visit the capital, being welcomed and having friendly conversations with Party and State leaders.

Photo of President Vo Chi Cong shaking hands with Mr. Hoang Van Bang. Photo: NVCC

“To everyone else, these documents and photos are completely worthless, but to me they are “treasures”. Because they are the mark of time, life, containing spirit, aspirations and love…” Mr. Bang shared.

Certificate of longevity for Mr. Hoang Van Bang on his 103rd birthday from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. Photo: Cong Kien

Leaders of Nghi Loc province and district congratulate Mr. Hoang Van Bang on Tet. Photo: Cong Kien

Mrs. Vo Thi Thao (Mr. Bang's wife) passed away in 1992. In addition to 4 children who died at a young age, the couple had 5 children, the eldest son, Hoang Van Quang, passed away several years ago. Currently, Mr. Bang has 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; all of his children and grandchildren participate.social workand contribute a lot to the development of the homeland.

“Our grandfather is one of the oldest people in the commune. In addition to the devoted care of his children and grandchildren, he also received a lot of attention from the authorities at all levels. During the recent Lunar New Year, he received gifts and a longevity certificate from the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; the Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council and the Secretary of the District Party Committee came to his house to wish him a happy New Year and give him gifts, which made him very excited and proud.”

Mr. Hoang Anh Le (grandson of Mr. Bang)