Memories of meeting Uncle Ho twice by a former female youth volunteer from Nghe An

DCourage at the "fire coordinates"

In the house of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lan (born 1944) in block 13, Ben Thuy ward (Vinh city - Nghe An), the photo of Uncle Ho with the delegation of Military Region 4 is placed in a prominent position. When guests come to visit, she often "shows off" that she is the person standing in the front row, the far left position.

Former TXNP Nguyen Thi Lan recounts the memories of meeting Uncle Ho twice. Photo: Cong Kien

“In 1969, I was honored to be one of 23 delegates from Military Region 4 who went to the capital to meet Uncle Ho. He welcomed me and talked to me intimately. I will never forget this memory for the rest of my life…” – Mrs. Lan confided.

In 1965, Nguyen Thi Lan - a girl from Duc Tho (Ha Tinh) joined the Youth Volunteer Force (TNXP) to fight against the US, going to the Western region of Quang Tri to carry food, transport ammunition, and fill bomb craters to serve the battlefield. Under the rain of bombs and bullets, she always steadfastly held her ground, and together with her teammates, completed the mission well. Thanks to that, this young, brave girl was admitted to the Party in the middle of the battlefield, becoming an example for her teammates.

Former TXNP Nguyen Thi Lan reserved a prominent place in her house to place a photo of the delegation of fellow countrymen from Military Region 4 with Uncle Ho. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

After two years in Truong Son, Ms. Lan was assigned to work at Dong Loc intersection (Can Loc - Ha Tinh) - one of the main targets of US aircraft bombing in the North as Deputy Company Commander, then Company Commander of Company 557. At the end of 1967, due to her outstanding achievements, female Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan was able to go to Hanoi to meet Uncle Ho.

"That time, the delegation had nearly 200 people who were outstanding union members and excellent cadres, so Uncle Ho could not meet each person. He just stood there waving his hand and smiling warmly and affectionately instead of saying hello. When leaving, everyone felt regretful and unsatisfied because they had not been able to be close to him."

Former Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan

Militiamen fill enemy bomb craters and open new roads for vehicles to reach the battlefield at the Dong Loc intersection (Ha Tinh). Photo: Van Sac/VNA

Carrying out her mission at Dong Loc intersection, Company Commander Nguyen Thi Lan continued to not fear hardships, sacrifices and achieved many feats. Small in stature but extremely brave, the female Company Commander was always ready to rush out onto the road to ensure the vehicles could pass safely. Thanks to that, Company 557 was awarded the Independence Medal.

"Small man but big ambition!".

In early 1969, Military Region 4 organized the Victory Congress in Tan Ky district (Nghe An), Nguyen Thi Lan represented the Youth Volunteer Force to attend. The organizing committee sent an invitation to Uncle Ho, but due to his busy work schedule, he could not attend, although he missed his homeland very much. He sent a congratulatory letter and did not forget to instruct the delegation of fellow countrymen from Military Region 4 to go to the capital to visit and meet.

Former TXNP Nguyen Thi Lan reviews articles about the feat at Dong Loc crossroads (Ha Tinh). Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Once again, female Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan was honored to be part of the 23-person delegation that went to Hanoi to meet President Ho Chi Minh. The meeting took place in June 1969 at the Presidential Palace, with General Vo Nguyen Giap and Secretary Vu Ky present.

“We entered the Presidential Palace, General Vo Nguyen Giap opened the door, Uncle Ho quickly stepped out, everyone rushed to hug him like children returning home after a long time away. It was the same with him, holding each person’s hand and asking questions as if welcoming close grandchildren, blood relatives after many years apart. His gentle voice and intimate gestures made everyone moved and choked up…”.

Former Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan

Before meeting Uncle Ho, the Head of the delegation assigned 7 people to directly report on their achievements, including Nguyen Thi Lan. Those who were to report on their achievements to Uncle Ho were all worried and prepared documents to read when requested. But unexpectedly, when meeting Uncle Ho, he proactively asked each person a question, his words were kind and intimate like family.

In order, Mrs. Lan was the third person to report. Uncle Ho asked: "In your company, are there many girls?". Mrs. Lan replied: "Uncle! 85% of my company are girls!". Uncle Ho continued, saying that he had passed through Dong Loc intersection and knew the terrain there was very dangerous, full of mountains, forests and streams. The enemy would continue to focus on fierce attacks to cut off support for the southern battlefield. The army and people of Dong Loc would continue to suffer hardships and sacrifices to reach the final victory.

Former female TXNP Nguyen Thi Lan (front row, far left) and the delegation of fellow countrymen from Military Region 4 took a souvenir photo with Uncle Ho. Photo: NVCC

Former TXNP Nguyen Thi Lan is a party member, a shining example in combat and daily life. Photo: Cong Kien

Then Uncle Ho asked again: "Did your unit make many sacrifices?". Comrade Vu Ky and comrade Vo Nguyen Giap immediately reminded Mrs. Lan not to talk too much about the sacrifices, for fear of making Uncle Ho emotional and affecting his health. Immediately, Uncle Ho told the two comrades to return to their seats so that the female Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan could comfortably answer the questions.

Uncle continued: "When fighting, it is difficult to avoid casualties. Tell me the truth, how many were sacrificed?" Mrs. Lan replied: "Sir! Very few casualties!" Uncle continued to ask: "How few?" Mrs. Lan replied: "Your unit has sacrificed 9 people!" After a minute of silence, Uncle praised Captain Nguyen Thi Lan: "Wow! Small in stature but with great ambition!"

After talking to all 7 people, Uncle Ho asked General Vo Nguyen Giap to give his badges to the members of the delegation. At this time, General Vo Nguyen Giap informed Uncle Ho that the reception was over and invited him to go home and rest to preserve his health.

The memory of meeting Uncle Ho is a driving force that helps former Youth Volunteer Nguyen Thi Lan overcome difficulties and challenges in life. Photo: Cong Kien

Uncle Ho said that tomorrow he would admit his shortcomings before the Politburo, today let him meet the delegation of fellow countrymen from Military Region 4 for a while longer. Everyone was moved, wiped away the tears streaming down their faces with handkerchiefs, and took souvenir photos with Uncle Ho...

After the Paris Agreement, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan was discharged from the army, changed her career to become an officer of the Nghe Tinh River and Sea Company, got married and lived in Vinh city. She shared: “Life is still difficult and complicated, but I always remember the two times I met Uncle Ho. That helps me always strive to overcome the difficulties and challenges in life.”

Cong Kien - Dinh Tuyen