Forever a shining star

(Baonghean) - The sacrifice of the soldiers in the Mi 171 helicopter crash on July 7th in Hanoi is not only a pain for their families, but a shared pain for the entire nation. Faced with a life-or-death choice, they did not think of themselves but focused on the interests of the people... They lived and sacrificed themselves according to their aspirations. The country and its people will not forget them; they will forever be role models, shining stars guiding the way.

The nation will forever be grateful.

On the morning of July 11th, Hanoi was drenched in rain. It seemed as if the heavens and earth were weeping for the 18 soldiers who perished in the military aircraft crash in Thach That, Hanoi, on July 7th. The rain couldn't stop the crowds from flocking to the Ministry of National Defense Funeral Home at 5 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hanoi. Relatives, friends, and comrades of the 18 soldiers were present, along with many strangers who came to bid farewell. The nation honors their sacrifice, and the people will always be grateful to these brave sons who died for the country and its people. No one can forget the tragic moment on the morning of July 7th, when the Mi-171 helicopter crashed due to a sudden power loss. At that moment, if the pilot had landed immediately after the incident, the aircraft might have been safe, but because the plane was in the middle of a market with a large population, landing would have caused harm to the people. The pilot and crew tried to fly the aircraft to a higher altitude to avoid the densely populated area. Upon reaching an open area with minimal damage to civilians, the aircraft was deemed unfit for landing and crashed, resulting in the deaths of many soldiers... The final, unwavering choice of the Vietnamese People's Army soldiers remains: "For the people, we forget ourselves; for the people, we sacrifice."

We bid farewell to Professional Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi as he is laid to rest.

The memorial service for the fallen heroes was held with the most solemn ceremonies; Party and State leaders were present to bid farewell; the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Secretary of the Central Military Commission wrote in the condolence book: "The Party, the army, and the people will forever be grateful for the noble sacrifice of these comrades for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland." Minister of National Defense Phung Quang Thanh wrote: "...The sacrifice of these comrades has left a deep sense of emotion and sorrow in the hearts of the people, officers, and soldiers throughout the army in recent days, and admiration for their calm handling of the situation to avoid loss of life and property for the people on the ground." Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Nguyen Thien Nhan, stated: “The entire nation and Vietnamese people abroad are deeply saddened and offer their deepest condolences to the families of the 18 officers and professional soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army who sacrificed their lives while on duty. Their sacrifice leaves behind an example of selflessness for the country and sacrifice for the Party, inspiring the youth and all Vietnamese people.”

At 10:30 a.m. on July 11th, the memorial service concluded. The funeral home was completely full, filled only with the sound of sobbing as the chief mourner read the eulogy, expressing deep sorrow for the outstanding sons and comrades of the Vietnamese people and army. Outside the funeral home, long lines of people still stretched, all wanting to stay and bid farewell to the soldiers whom the people cherished, remembered, and loved. In the hearts of the people, they had become immortal. The Mi-171 helicopter had crashed, but the soldiers – those proud eagles – had completed their glorious journey. They have gone far away, but their patriotic hearts will forever remain… At 11 a.m., the memorial service ended. Some soldiers were cremated, their remains merging with the names of the mountains and rivers; others, according to the wishes of their relatives, were buried in the martyrs' cemetery of their homeland.

His homeland welcomes him home.

Among the 18 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives, one was a son of Nghe An province. That was Professional Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi, from Tam Hop commune, Quy Hop district. Here is a brief biography of him, to be remembered once more: Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi, born in 1983, was the eldest son of Mr. Nguyen Cong Hien and Mrs. Dinh Thi Hoa, residing in Tan My hamlet, Tam Hop commune. After completing high school, in 2004, he volunteered to join the army; he completed his military service with good results, was admitted to the Party while serving, and was then sent to study by the army. In 2011, Nguyen Cong Hoi was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant, working at the 18th Special Forces Battalion, Hanoi Capital Command... Regarding his personal life, in 2013, Nguyen Cong Hoi married Do Thi Huyen Cham; Their daughter, Nguyen Thi Thanh Van, was only 6 months old at the time of his death. Before his death, the family faced many economic difficulties as Ms. Cham did not have a stable job, and they were renting a house. After the Mi-171 helicopter crash, the family received the tragic news from his unit. Everyone was shocked and heartbroken. Mr. Dao Manh Huyen, the uncle of Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi, said: “He was kind and filial. Relatives and neighbors all loved and respected him, considering him a shining example to educate their children. And yet… For the past few days, many people from Tam Hop commune, Quy Hop district have come here to share their condolences and comfort the family. The unit has sent people to coordinate with the local authorities and the family to handle the funeral arrangements for him.”

At 11:45 AM on July 11th, the convoy of the Hanoi Capital Command carrying the coffin of Professional Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi slowly left Hanoi, following the Ho Chi Minh Trail back to his birthplace, to his beloved homeland. Along the legendary green road, which bears witness to the heroic achievements of his forefathers in the two wars defending the Fatherland, now teeming with trees and fruit, people lined the streets to bid him farewell. They silently and respectfully bowed their heads; some elderly veterans, their hands resting on their canes, stood at attention and saluted their comrades: “Farewell, comrade, who together with us protected the peace of the Fatherland. May you rest in eternal peace.” The sacrifice of Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi and his comrades is not only a sorrow for their families but also a grief for all patriotic citizens.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh, a resident of Tan My hamlet, emotionally shared: “Even in peacetime, these soldiers still sacrifice themselves for the peace and security of the people. We are extremely grateful and appreciative. The people will always remember them. Mr. Nguyen Cong Hoi is truly the pride of our locality.”

On the afternoon of July 11th, a light drizzle fell over Quy Hop. The rain dispelled the heat, yet it also seemed to evoke a sense of sorrow. The rain came and went quickly, and the wind began to billow the banners and flags. Leaders from Nghe An province, Quy Hop district, and thousands of people gathered along both sides of National Highway 48 to welcome the hero, Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi, back home. They wanted to see him one last time, even though his bright, star-like eyes were now closed, his radiant smile and warm voice gone. Memories flooded back, and no one could hold back their tears, their eyes gazing eastward, towards the peaceful countryside, westward, bringing him back to the verdant hills of Phu Quy.

The memorial service and burial were conducted according to military protocol.

He returned here to the loving embrace of his family and villagers, as a slow stream of people followed the vehicle, heading towards the Martyrs' Memorial of the commune, where the memorial service for Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi was being held... During the two wars to defend the country against French colonialism and American imperialism, 58 heroic sons of Tam Hop sacrificed their blood, bones, and lives to build peace and independence. Tomorrow, his name will be engraved on a stone monument, a golden page in the local history, like so many fathers and brothers before him.

Incense smoke billowed and lingered across the hillside. Delegations and citizens paying their respects to the soul of Lieutenant Nguyen Cong Hoi grew in number. The funeral and burial ceremony was conducted with utmost solemnity. His comrades helped him slowly back home. Thousands of people followed, each wanting to contribute their gratitude and ensure his grave was grand and beautiful. May he rest in peace; the nation and its people will never forget him.

Tan My Cemetery, where he rests, is surrounded on three sides by lush, fragrant mangrove forests, their blossoms in full bloom. The full moon has risen from the sea, its gentle light lulling him into eternal sleep...

Dang Chung