Young soldiers in green uniforms "ignite the flame" of March on the nation's border.
From winding forest roads to remote villages and along the windswept coastline, the young Border Guard soldiers of Nghe An are writing inspiring journeys during "March at the Border." Not only are they patrolling and protecting sacred border markers, but they are also bringing warmth and compassion to the people in border regions, contributing to building a strong "people's support" base at the front lines of the Fatherland.
Gia Huy - Anh Bach /Present:Hong ToaiMarch 26, 2026
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From winding forest roads to remote villages and along the windswept coastline, the young Border Guard soldiers of Nghe An are writing inspiring journeys during "March at the Border." Not only are they patrolling and protecting sacred border markers, but they are also bringing warmth and compassion to the people in border regions, contributing to building a strong "people's support" base at the front lines of the Fatherland.
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In the vibrant atmosphere of emulation in response to Youth Month 2026, the journey of officers and soldiers of Ngoc Lam Border Guard Station, along with youth union members from Son Lam, Hanh Lam communes and Prison No. 6 (C10 Department, Ministry of Public Security), traversing over 25 km of forest roads to reach border marker 455 at an altitude of nearly 1,000 m, has become a typical image of "March at the Border".
Amidst the majestic mountain scenery, as the national anthem resounds and the national flag flies proudly at the sacred border marker, everyone feels a deeper appreciation for the value of independence and sovereignty. It's not just a ritual, but a moment that reminds the younger generation of their responsibility to the nation's borders.
Immediately after the flag-raising ceremony, the youth union members worked together to clear vegetation, clean, and wipe down the boundary markers. These simple actions demonstrate a special respect for the symbol of national sovereignty.
Participating in a patrol for the first time, Ms. Mai Thi Giang – Secretary of the Youth Union of Hanh Lam commune – said that the trip provided a special experience, helping her better understand the silent sacrifices of the border guard force. The treacherous roads and harsh weather became a test of willpower, but it was also from there that the spirit of solidarity and determination to protect sovereignty was forged.
"Seeing the border marker with my own eyes, I was truly moved and proud. This will be a motivation for me to continue doing a good job of disseminating information and raising awareness among union members and young people about protecting border sovereignty," she shared.
Not only in Ngoc Lam commune, the atmosphere of "March at the Border" has spread strongly to many other units. In Na Ngoi and Nam Can, the forces coordinated patrols of the national border markers and cleared nearly 2 km of border road. In particular, the "Borderland Lesson" model organized right at border marker 419 has brought a new and lively approach.
Instead of dry theoretical lessons, youth union members were given direct presentations on the history and significance of the border marker system right in the field. This practical experience made the knowledge come alive, thereby enhancing their sense of responsibility in protecting national sovereignty.
Major Nguyen Dinh Trung – Secretary of the Youth Union of Na Ngoi Border Guard Station – emphasized that such experiential activities help union members better understand the task of protecting sovereignty, thereby being ready to join hands with the border guard force to maintain security on the front lines.
In My Ly commune, the bilateral patrol activities between the Vietnamese Border Guard and Border Guard Company 217 (Hua Phan province, Laos) are a significant highlight. Besides inspecting the status of border markers, the two sides also cooperate in educating the local people to strictly abide by the law, and to refrain from encroaching on land, settling illegally, or crossing the border illegally.
The patrol took place in a spirit of solidarity, trust, and mutual understanding. Handshakes and sincere exchanges further strengthened the special friendship between the two countries, while also enhancing the effectiveness of border management and protection.
Lieutenant Colonel Bui Hong Manh – Deputy Political Officer of My Ly Border Guard Station emphasized that this is not only a professional task but also an opportunity to strengthen solidarity between the border protection forces of both sides, contributing to fostering an increasingly strong Vietnam-Laos relationship.
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Alongside their mission of protecting national sovereignty, the young border guards of Nghe An have also left a strong mark through a series of social welfare activities aimed at the grassroots level.
At Ky Son Hospital, the Youth Union of Nam Can Border Guard Station, in coordination with the Nam Can International Border Gate Customs Branch, the commune police, and local youth union members, organized the "Bowl of Compassion" program, delivering hundreds of bowls of hot porridge to impoverished patients. These simple bowls of porridge, filled with warmth and kindness, not only helped alleviate the difficulties faced by patients but also spread a positive image of border guards.
In Mon Son commune, the small kitchen at the preschool is busier than ever. Border guard officers and women's association members, along with the teachers, are busy preparing nutritious meals for over 200 students. These meals not only help improve the children's physical health but also give them the motivation to come to class every day.
In particular, the handover of 520 red flag shirts with a yellow star to the students created a deeply moving scene amidst the mountains and forests. The red color of the flag seemed to ignite in the children's hearts a sense of pride and love for their country, stemming from the simplest things.
According to Ms. Pham Thi Thanh, Principal of Mon Son Kindergarten, for students in mountainous areas, especially children of ethnic minorities, such support is of great significance, not only in terms of material support but also in terms of moral support.
The proactive spirit of young border guards is also demonstrated through their down-to-earth actions: giving gifts to families receiving government assistance, donating notebooks to poor students, providing free haircuts, and cleaning houses for elderly people living alone. These small but practical actions have contributed to strengthening the bond between the military and the people in the border region.
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In addition, healthcare and legal awareness activities have been intensified. In Anh Son commune, hundreds of people received free medical examinations and medication, and were also informed about regulations related to security and order in the border area.
Furthermore, many programs equipping students with digital skills have been implemented, opening up opportunities for the younger generation in border regions to access new knowledge.
Along the coast, the "March Border Campaign" was equally vibrant. In Quynh Mai ward, members of the Quynh Phuong Border Guard Station's Youth Union branch, in coordination with local youth union members, launched a campaign to clean up the environment, plant trees, and build youth-led roads. These beautified coastal roads not only improve the landscape but also contribute to raising community awareness in environmental protection, linked to the task of safeguarding maritime sovereignty.
According to Major Tran Minh Hieu, Assistant for Mass Mobilization Affairs of the Nghe An Border Guard, 100% of the youth organizations within the force have simultaneously implemented activities in response to Youth Month and "March at the Border" with many rich and practical contents.
Models such as "Bowl of Compassion," "Helping Children Go to School," and "Border Guard's Helping Hand" continue to be effective, becoming a highlight in youth union work. More than 1,000 gifts with a total value of over 700 million VND have been donated to people in border areas.
Furthermore, youth union members actively participated in border patrols, crime prevention, planted over 14,000 trees, organized numerous environmental cleanup campaigns, and contributed to building new rural areas.
It is clear that "March at the Border" is not just a temporary movement, but has become an environment for the youth of the Nghe An Border Guard to demonstrate their pioneering, volunteer, and creative roles.
From patrolling border markers to sharing meals with students in small villages, from border lessons to clean coastal roads, all have contributed to building a solid "people's defense." There, every inch of land, every border is protected not only by duty and youthful energy, but also by the trust and bond between the military and the people.
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“In the coming time, the youth of the Nghe An Border Guard will continue to promote the spirit of pioneering and volunteering, innovate the content and form of activities, focus strongly on the grassroots, build a strong Youth Union organization, meet the requirements of the tasks in the new situation, and contribute to ensuring peace and security for the people, the locality, and the border,” Major Tran Minh Hieu affirmed.