The heartfelt wish of a soldier who once met the General.
In the small house of veteran Cao Duc Dong (born in 1944) in Block 2, Dien Chau town, commemorative photos from the wartime years are carefully framed and neatly hung on the wall. Among the many fragments of war memories, there are some that make the old soldier proud when he recalls them...
In the small house of veteran Cao Duc Dong (born in 1944) in Block 2, Dien Chau town, framed photographs from the wartime years are carefully displayed on the walls. Among the many fragments of war memories, there are some that fill the old soldier with pride when he recalls them...
Time of Fire and Flowers
“I enlisted in the army in 1963, in Military Region 4. In 1964, I participated in the resistance against the destructive war waged by the American imperialists. After the war, I studied at the Military Political Academy in Phu Tho. Then I returned to Tay Ninh to take up my duties. In 1972, I transferred from the performing arts to propaganda. In 1975, I commanded a regiment participating in the liberation of Saigon and the takeover of Bien Hoa. After that, I participated in the border wars with Cambodia and China. However, when I was transferred to Vi Xuyen (Ha Giang), the war was already in its waning phase. After liberation, I studied advanced political science at the Hanoi Political Academy,” Mr. Cao Duc Dong summarized.soldier's lifetheir own path, following the historical milestones of the nation.
Each period of history holds unforgettable memories that always move him when he recalls them. These include the time he and four other exemplary soldiers from Military Region 4 met and spoke with General Vo Nguyen Giap at the All-Army Youth Congress in June 1966; the overwhelming joy he and his comrades felt while taking over Bien Hoa and receiving news that our troops had taken over Saigon on April 30, 1975; and the narrow escapes from death during the fierce and aggressive attacks of the Khmer Rouge on the border battlefield in 1979…
Mr. Dong recalled: “At that time, I was the unit commander, and along with my bodyguard, we were surrounded very closely by 17 Khmer Rouge soldiers. Thinking we couldn't survive, I discussed it with my bodyguard and then called the division, instructing everyone to shell our position. By doing so, our sacrifice could eliminate at least 17 enemy soldiers. However, the division disagreed, determined to save us, and fired 55 artillery shells at the position right next to us – our troops' professional skills were truly excellent. After eliminating all the enemy soldiers, the company sent men to rescue us, and we only suffered minor injuries…” Having not been asked about the old days for a long time, the fragmented memories recounted by the old soldier still moved him deeply.
Over the years, he poured his emotions into commemorative poems. He proudly wrote them for his father:“I immerse myself in the whirlwind/ Breaking through the Xuân Lộc - Trảng Bom defense line/ Crossing Biên Hòa to liberate Saigon…”in the article "Transferring the Gunman".
He was tormented by guilt:“He returned from the war / The old road was paved smooth with asphalt / The address still shines brightly in my palm / My love! Where are you now?”in the article "Address Line".
He wrote“Let our spirits mingle with the incense smoke / Tears well up as we think of our ancestors… / Look at Ben Tai, once stained red with blood / The hammer and sickle flag of the General's era is raised here / Spears drawn, drums beating, flags flying…”while visiting the martyrs of the 1930-1931 period in Dien Chau district…
Returning after years of dedicating his youth to the battlefield, Mr. Dong carried with him not only the painful and glorious memories of war, the fragile boundaries between life and death, and the persistent haunting experiences of having to make choices… Witnessing his comrades sacrifice their youth for national independence and the happiness of the people, the love for his homeland deepened in this soldier from Phu Dien. He chose a life of respect and gentleness…
"Ordinary soldiers"
"Ordinary Soldier" is the title of a poetry collection by veteran and war invalid Cao Duc Dong, published by Nghe An Publishing House. Throughout his life, whether in war or peace, Cao Duc Dong chose to live like a soldier:"As soldiers - we remain soldiers in our daily lives / Wherever we are, the descendants of Uncle Ho are the same..."
After leaving the military and returning to his hometown, Mr. Cao Duc Dong was a key figure in the local government and a model citizen with many contributions to the town, especially in cultural and artistic activities. With his ability to compose, direct, and perform, he is the author of many songs praising his homeland, fostering national pride, and encouraging the spirit of nation-building… The essence of folk songs and the gentle, heartfelt sentiments in his compositions easily touch the emotions of listeners. His subtlety, meticulousness, and creativity make the programs and performances he directs enjoyable and well-received. He also revitalized the sports movement in the area by pioneering in guiding and training members of various sports clubs.
Before his wife – a former teacher whom he loved and was very proud of – passed away, they performed together on many stages, winning numerous awards, both big and small, at singing festivals throughout the province. That was the happiest period of his life, and also the "front" where he and other veterans in peacetime wanted to be involved and contribute.
At 80 years old, veteran Cao Duc Dong lives alone in a modest single-story house next to National Highway 1A. “I maintain the habit of walking every morning and cycling every afternoon, both to stay healthy and for enjoyment – enjoyment of meeting people daily, joy of living in my homeland, and joy of seeing it become more prosperous and beautiful. I'm also happy that I can cook, clean the house, and take care of myself. My children are grown up and live nearby, which is also a joy. Now that I'm 80, I no longer have the strength to participate in cultural and artistic activities, so I choose to stay home and only do writing or composing work if someone asks me to,” Mr. Dong shared.
Commenting on veteran Cao Duc Dong, Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Kieu – Secretary of the Party Committee of Dien Chau town – said: “Mr. Dong is one of the respected elders of the town, loved and respected by the people. Since retiring, he has contributed much to local activities and movements, being a key member of the veterans' association, the elderly association, and poetry associations in the area. With his selflessness, humility, and exemplary conduct, he is always responsible and disciplined in his assigned tasks, always thinking of the common good of the entire group and willing to make sacrifices. Through his personal influence, Mr. Dong has made many contributions to the community.”mass mobilization work"He was a local hero in various movements and organizations… Regardless of his age or the battlefield he served on, he lived as a valuable soldier, inspiring and motivating our generation greatly."
After saying goodbye to that veteran, I will always remember the final lines of Cao Duc Dong's article "Everyday Soldiers," which read:
"...The old soldier continues his life of renewal."
Still deeply attached to my homeland.
Still engrossed in all the everyday tasks…”.
He lived that way, happily and dedicatedly, with pride as a soldier.
