July of Gratitude

(Baonghean) - Showing gratitude and repaying kindness is a beautiful tradition and moral principle of our nation. During these days of July, various levels of government, departments, and organizations in localities throughout the province are organizing many meaningful and humane activities to express gratitude to the heroic martyrs and those who have contributed to the revolution…

Provincial leaders presented certificates recognizing the title of Vietnamese Heroic Mother to mothers in Vinh City.

Along with the full and timely implementation of preferential allowances for those who have rendered meritorious services to the nation, in recent years, the work of caring for, supporting, and helping those who have rendered meritorious services to improve their lives has been consistently prioritized and implemented by Party committees and authorities at all levels, achieving positive results. Although the province's economic conditions are still challenging, Nghe An always allocates a reasonable portion of its budget to implement policies for those who have rendered meritorious services, especially in supporting the construction of houses of gratitude; upgrading and repairing houses for those who have rendered meritorious services and are facing housing difficulties; upgrading and repairing martyrs' cemeteries; searching for, excavating, and relocating the remains of martyrs who died in Laos and in cemeteries within the province.

As July arrives, people from all walks of life in the province once again express their affection and offer meaningful gifts to families who have contributed to the revolution. During these days, the recently renovated house of war invalid Nguyen Trong Canh (born in 1948) in Block 14, Nghi Huong Ward (Cua Lo Town) receives numerous visits from various levels of government, departments, and organizations, who offer encouragement and gifts. After completing his duties in the Southern battlefield, Mr. Canh returned to his hometown blind and paralyzed, unable to work after stepping on a landmine during the liberation of Hue City in March 1975. However, in the house built in 1995, his faith in life remains as strong as it was when he "marched across the Truong Son Mountains to save the country, his heart filled with hope for the future…". This is because he still has his family as a support system, and the care and attention of the Party committees, government, organizations, and his neighbors. When the house deteriorated, he received an additional 40 million VND from the local government and organizations to renovate it, and it was handed over at the beginning of July.

Lighting candles to pay tribute to the martyrs. Photo: Le Thang

This July is also an opportunity for youth unions at all levels to strengthen propaganda among their members and young people about the principle of remembering one's roots and showing gratitude. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thom, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, said: "From June, the Provincial Youth Union has developed a plan for activities to commemorate July 27th. Accordingly, the Provincial Youth Union requires all levels of youth unions to organize activities to publicize the history and significance of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs; visit and give gifts to families of war invalids and martyrs, relatives of martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution; organize volunteer activities to provide healthcare such as free medical examinations, treatment, and medicine distribution for policy beneficiary families and families in difficult areas... Simultaneously, there are activities to clean up the environment, repair, renovate, and create a clean and beautiful environment at cemeteries, martyrs' monuments, and historical and cultural relics; and assist victims of Agent Orange." Lighting candles in tribute at war cemeteries…

Leaders of Do Luong district visited and presented gifts to families entitled to preferential policies in the area.

Comrade Nguyen Bang Toan – Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs – affirmed: “Showing gratitude and repaying kindness,” and “Remembering the source of the water we drink” are the responsibilities of the entire community and society to ensure that the spiritual and material lives of those who have rendered meritorious services are more fulfilling and warmer. Therefore, in the coming time, all levels, sectors, organizations, and people in the province will continue to work together to care for war invalids, martyrs, and those who have rendered meritorious services to alleviate the pain of loss for the families of martyrs, contributing to better care for their material and spiritual lives. Doing this work well not only promotes the traditions and morals of our nation but also makes an important contribution to stabilizing the security and political situation, developing the economy, and ensuring social security.”

Minh Quan