The non-stop holidays of Nghe An's youth.

Opening up connecting "bridges".

In recent days, the small house of veteran Van Huy Hung (born in 1952) in Sy Tan Hamlet (Tan Mai Ward) has been more lively and warm than usual with the laughter and chatter of visiting youth union members and team members. They come, eager to hear, understand, and experience historical stories through "real people" and "real events" that they previously only knew from books.

In his simple room, the medals and decorations, though weathered by time, hold vivid memories for Mr. Hung. In 1971, young Van Huy Hung turned 19. At the prime of his youth, he eagerly enlisted in the army. In 1972, he went to the battlefield in Quang Tri – a hotbed of war.

Van Huy Hung's twenties were marked by brutal times, by his comrades, and by moments of near-death experiences. It was there that he was severely wounded, resulting in a 51% disability. In 1973, due to his serious injuries, he was discharged from the army, carrying with him a wealth of memories that are difficult to put into words. When he speaks of his comrades, the veteran's voice softens, leaving pauses in his story.

After the war, Mr. Hung returned to civilian life and continued to contribute to the local community in various roles such as deputy head of the block, representative of the Ward People's Council, and head of the Veterans' Association branch of the block. Along with 84 members, he actively participated in various movements and supported those in difficult circumstances. These quiet, persistent acts of service are precisely how this former soldier continues to contribute in peacetime.

Perhaps that's why, when listening to his stories, children's eyes attentively follow every word and boldly voice their questions. History, in that way, is no longer distant but becomes close and familiar.

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The "Stories from the War Era" program is organized with the hope that the younger generation will not only "know" but also "feel" about history. Instead of dry lessons, the children get to meet and talk directly with veterans, listening to authentic stories from those who experienced the war firsthand.

Through this, the students gain a better understanding of the sacrifices made by previous generations, thereby developing a sense of responsibility and appreciating what they have today.

Comrade Nguyen Hong Quan – Vice Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee, Secretary of the Youth Union of Tan Mai Ward

Meanwhile, in Yen Xuan commune, the Youth Union, in coordination with the commune's Veterans Association and Phan Thai At Secondary School, organized activities to commemorate historical events at the Yen Xuan National Historical Monument.

For a long time, this land has been considered a breeding ground for "red seeds." Since the 1920s, many young people from this area and neighboring localities have been enlightened with revolutionary ideals, becoming the core force in various struggles, especially the 1930-1931 uprising. In this context, Hieu Yen Xuan served as an important communication, force building, and financial base for the Party.

Associated with this place are prominent figures such as Comrade Phan Thai At – the founder and Secretary of the Red Peasant Association of Nghe An, who made significant contributions to mobilizing the masses and developing the revolutionary movement. To this day, the site still preserves many valuable documents and artifacts, serving as silent testaments to a period of hardship but also heroism.

In the emotionally charged atmosphere of the historical site, the younger generation not only gets to see the artifacts firsthand but also listens to local veterans recount authentic and moving stories about a time of tenacious fighting. These memories, told in simple yet profound terms, help make history more accessible and vibrant.

Also in recent days, the youth of Tan Ky commune have together created a meaningful journey by successfully organizing the "Returning to the Red Address" trip to the special national historical site at Km0 of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Accordingly, a 75-meter-wide red flag with a yellow star was displayed.²They have traveled over 400km from the fortified land of Vinh Linh to the starting point of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, carrying with them the emotions, pride, and a message of gratitude to history from today's youth.

In addition, local youth union members organized warm meals of gratitude and presented meaningful gifts to those who rendered meritorious services, expressing the sincere feelings and responsibility of the younger generation towards the sacrifices made for the independence and peace of the country.

Looking across the entire province, in recent times, young people in various localities have implemented many activities to express gratitude and return to their roots with creative and engaging approaches, such as meeting historical witnesses, organizing meals of compassion, educating about traditions right in schools, or giving gifts to support veterans in difficult circumstances.

Through this journey, these "stories from the wartime era" become closer to the younger generation, helping them to appreciate and live more worthily of what they have.

Transform gratitude into meaningful projects.

Leading us to Tam Mai Temple (Phu Yen village, Quynh Phu commune), Ms. Tran Thi Yen – Vice Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the Youth Union of the commune – could not hide her joy as she shared about the youth project that had just been launched. This project, titled "Digital Transformation in Introducing and Promoting Historical and Cultural Relics of Quynh Phu Commune," is located within the Tam Mai Temple historical site.

Gone are the days of simple information boards; now, with just a QR code scan, locals and tourists can access comprehensive documentation, images, and historical stories about the Eight-Roofed Temple. This approach helps bring the historical site closer to the younger generation.

Pointing to the QR code she had just scanned at the historical site, Ms. Yen immediately shared the interesting information that local youth had compiled in an open space, combining data and illustrative images.

Accordingly, the communal house, built in 1873 and renovated in 1908, is a place that commemorates many historical revolutionary events of the local people. During the years 1930-1931, it served as a meeting place, a printing location for Party documents and leaflets, and a gathering point for the masses participating in various struggle movements.

During the August Revolution of 1945, the communal house became a place where self-defense forces prepared for the seizure of power. In 1964, local people gathered here to listen to Prime Minister Pham Van Dong speak before he visited the salt fields of the villagers. It was also from this communal house that 124 sons of the homeland enlisted in the army, carrying with them the aspiration to protect the Fatherland. With its exceptional historical value, Tam Mai Communal House was recognized as a National Monument by Decision No. 599 dated March 11, 1992.

These tiny QR codes and simple operations are a way for today's young people to easily connect with the past.

Meanwhile, in Dien Chau commune, local youth organized the "Bowl of Compassion" program at Dien Chau General Hospital. Accordingly, 160 bowls of warm porridge were handed directly to patients and their families, carrying a simple yet sincere act of sharing during these special holidays.

In Yen Thanh and Duc Chau communes, hundreds of youth union members from both communes offered incense and simultaneously launched a comprehensive cleanup of the Martyrs' Cemetery grounds. Practical tasks such as sweeping, tidying up individual graves, and maintaining the landscape contributed to beautifying the space dedicated to the martyrs.

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Over the past period, young people throughout the province have simultaneously implemented many practical activities, focusing on their roots with a proactive, creative, and emotionally rich spirit.

Instead of focusing on formalities, the important thing is to ensure that each activity touches the awareness and emotions of the youth members. Through this, the younger generation can better understand history, appreciate the sacrifices of their ancestors, and thus become more responsible in the present.
This journey is gradually becoming a regular flow, where each young person can contribute a small but meaningful part to continue and spread the good values ​​of the nation.

Ho Phuc Hai, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union