'Following Uncle Ho's advice: Show gratitude to those who have rendered meritorious service'
President Ho Chi Minh was not only the founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, but also the one who laid the profound foundation for the tradition of gratitude and reciprocity, through his thoughts, actions, and boundless compassion for wounded soldiers and martyrs.
Dr. Tran Ngoc Nhieu• July 26, 2025
Every July, amidst the silent incense burning at the graves of fallen heroes and the flickering candlelight at martyrs' cemeteries, the hearts of Vietnamese people are filled with emotion as they remember the millions of sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for independence and freedom. The War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27th is not only a historical milestone but also a sacred reminder of the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source." And there, President Ho Chi Minh – not only the founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, but also the one who laid the profound foundation for the tradition of gratitude and repayment, through his thoughts, actions, and boundless compassion for war invalids and martyrs.
As early as June 1947, amidst the fierce bombing of the resistance war against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh directed that a day be chosen for the whole country to remember and express gratitude to those who had sacrificed or shed their blood for the Fatherland. In a letter sent to the Standing Committee of the Organizing Committee for "National War Invalids Day" dated July 17, 1947, he wrote:"War invalids are those who have sacrificed their families and shed their blood to protect the Fatherland and their compatriots. For the benefit of the Fatherland and its people, these comrades have endured illness and disability. Therefore, the Fatherland and its people must be grateful to and support these heroic sons."(1).
Letter to wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and families of martyrs on July 27th, Written by:"Wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, military families, and families of martyrs are those who have contributed to the nation and the people. Therefore, it is our duty to be grateful to them, to love them, and to help them."(2).
His words were not merely a moral command, but also a profound human truth: that the blood of the soldiers had watered this land, and the nation could not move forward without bowing in gratitude to the past.
In Ho Chi Minh's thought, the wounded soldier was not just a returning soldier, but a living symbol of patriotism, indomitable will, and heroic spirit.The blood of those martyrs has made the revolutionary flag even brighter red. The heroic sacrifice of these martyrs has paved the way for our country to blossom with independence and bear the fruits of freedom."(3)These words are imbued with the deep sorrow of the nation's revered leader, like a heartfelt tribute to those who will never return.
Uncle Ho's great ideas were always accompanied by concrete, simple yet deeply moving actions. From the early years of the nation's founding, he dedicated a portion of his salary to supporting the War Invalids Fund, sent Tet gifts, sent letters of inquiry, and frequently visited rehabilitation centers and hospitals to see war invalids and sick soldiers. A letter sent to the Standing Committee of the Organizing Committee for the "National War Invalids Day" on July 17, 1947, included the following passage:“I volunteer to send a silk undershirt given to me by the women, one month's salary, one meal for myself, and one for the staff at the Presidential Palace, totaling one thousand one hundred and twenty-seven dong (1,127đ.00).”(4).
His actions were not ostentatious, but deeply humane. He viewed caring for wounded soldiers and martyrs as a moral responsibility and also a condition for strengthening national unity – where gratitude becomes the enduring glue between generations.
After President Ho Chi Minh's passing, his teachings became a guiding principle throughout the policies and spiritual life of our people. The "Gratitude and Repayment" movement, caring for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, building martyrs' cemeteries, and looking after those who have rendered meritorious services... became regular actions, not only of the State but also of each individual citizen.
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Nghe An - a land rich in revolutionary traditions, where the spirit of "Drinking water, remember the source" and "Showing gratitude" is always remembered and spread through concrete and practical actions, such as lighting candles of gratitude at martyrs' cemeteries, visiting and giving gifts to families of policy beneficiaries, and supporting the construction and repair of houses for people with meritorious services.
Many innovative models include: "Families volunteering to care for Heroic Vietnamese Mothers," "Businesses paying tribute to martyrs," "Youth showing gratitude through green actions," etc.
Not only on the occasion of July 27th, but throughout the year, Nghe An province consistently maintains efforts to care for the material and spiritual well-being of wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and relatives of martyrs, demonstrating the responsibility of the government and the profound gratitude of the people.
Seventy-eight years have passed since President Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to wounded soldiers, but the spirit of that letter remains as valuable as ever. It serves as a reminder that gratitude should not be limited to July 27th, but must be a regular, continuous, concrete, and responsible act.
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In the current context, as the country enters a new era, Uncle Ho's teachings remain a guiding principle:""Our people will forever remember the sacrifices of the martyrs, and we must always learn from their courageous spirit to overcome all difficulties and hardships, and complete the revolutionary cause that the martyrs have entrusted to us."(5).
July 27th is not only a commemorative occasion, but also an opportunity for every Vietnamese person – especially the people of Nghe An – to reflect on their own hearts, to be grateful, to act, and to live up to the great sacrifices of generations of ancestors.
(1) Ho Chi Minh, Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, volume 5, p.204.
(2) Ho Chi Minh, Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, volume 10, p.372.
(3) Ho Chi Minh, Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, volume 12, p.401.
(4) Ho Chi Minh, Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, volume 5, p.205.
(5) Ho Chi Minh, Complete Works, National Political Publishing House, Hanoi, 2011, volume 12, p.401.
