The shining revolutionary spirit of a 105-year-old veteran, 81 years in the Party

Even though he is 105 years old, Mr. Duc still regularly reads newspapers and listens to the radio to keep up with current events. Photo: Tran Dinh Ha

Born in the year of Binh Thin 1916, according to our age, this Spring Canh Ty, Mr. Phan To Duc will be 105 years old. Although he has passed the age of one hundred, this staunch communist soldier still remembers very clearly the stages of his steadfast struggle.

He said that from the age of 14-15, he witnessed his fathers and uncles in the village fighting against feudal tyrants to demand the abolition of unjust taxes, fighting for freedom and democracy, and on September 1, 1930, he followed a group of 20,000 Thanh Chuong farmers to burn down the district office, and witnessed the establishment of the Soviet government at Vo Liet communal house. After that, he also witnessed the harsh revenge terror of the colonial-feudal government.

Comrade Nguyen Dac Vinh - Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Chief of the Party Central Committee Office, former Secretary of Nghe An Provincial Party Committee awarded the 80-year Party badge to Mr. Phan To Duc in 2019. Photo: Tran Dinh Ha

Deeply hating the enemy in 1936, when he came of age, he officially joined the revolution, and in 1939 he was admitted to the Party. Soon after, in 1940, he was elected Deputy Secretary of the General Committee of Vo Liet - where the most vibrant revolutionary movement was in Thanh Chuong district. A year later, he was arrested and imprisoned in Ban Me Thuot prison until the August Revolution in 1945 succeeded.

After the August Revolution, Mr. Phan To Duc Duc continued to participate in movements and was appointed Deputy Secretary of the National Salvation Youth of Nghe An province. Two years later, because he knew Chinese characters, he was transferred to the Department of Culture in charge of museum work. In 1954, he was transferred to the Department of Education in charge of the Cultural Supplement and Popular Education sectors until his retirement in 1972.

Returning to live in his hometown, he continued to participate in Front work and local activities, translated documents to make records of relics, and contributed many ideas to build a strong Party cell and Party organization.

Mr. Phan To Duc (in blue life jacket, standing in the middle) with leaders of Thanh Chuong district through the periods at the rally to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

At over a hundred years old, his eyes are still sharp. Every day he watches TV, listens to the radio, and reads the Party newspaper. The revolutionary spirit and love for the homeland still shine in his heart. He said: “Without the Party and Uncle Ho’s leadership, there would be no revolutionary movement, no unity and independence like today. Looking at the country at peace, developing strongly, and the people’s lives improving, not only people like me but also generations of children and grandchildren are proud and satisfied. I vow to follow the Party for the rest of my life.”

Having 2 wives and 7 children including 1 son and 6 daughters, his children and grandchildren are all grown up.

Mr. Phan To Duc was very proud and happy because during the recent Canh Ty Tet holiday, he received Tet gifts from Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue as well as being visited and given gifts by provincial and district leaders.

Mr. Phan To Duc is living with his virtuous wife, Mrs. Ton Thi Loan. Photo: Tran Dinh Ha

Talking about that veteran and exemplary party member, comrade Trinh Van Nha - Standing Deputy Secretary of Thanh Chuong District Party Committee shared: "Thanh Chuong is a revolutionary land so there are many revolutionary predecessors. Mr. Phan To Duc is one of two veteran cadres still alive (the other is former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Con, currently living in Hanoi - PV). Mr. Duc is truly a shining example of revolutionary ethics, a very responsible party member and citizen. Despite his old age, he is very clear-headed and exemplary, and has been and is participating in contributing to the district Party Committee and the locality. His opinions are often very enthusiastic, constructive, and his words go hand in hand with his actions."

In a mixture of emotion and pride, Mr. Phan To Duc confided: "The great contributions and revolutionary traditions of Vo Liet commune, Thanh Chuong district as well as the province are always the motivation for me and my children and grandchildren to overcome difficulties and be exemplary in work and daily life."