Throughout the continuous course of the nation’s history, the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” have remained a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism and the spirit of sacrifice and dedication to the Fatherland’s independence and freedom. They embody fervent patriotism, a steadfast and indomitable will, solidarity, mutual support, and exemplary conduct in every action. Forged not only in the fires of war, these qualities continue to be strongly upheld in building and defending the Fatherland in peacetime, particularly amid the vigorous integration and development of the new era.

Established in 1995, the Veterans’ Association of National Economics University (NEU) was among the first associations formed within the university and college sector (Group 487). Its members, soldiers who completed their honorable duties and returned to civilian life, have continued to uphold and promote these noble qualities. They are not only living witnesses to history but also shining examples and active contributors to community building, socioeconomic development, and the education of younger generations.

The Association’s Activities to Express Gratitude and Educate About Traditions

The NEU Veterans’ Association consistently prioritizes activities that express gratitude and educate about traditions, demonstrating profound gratitude to earlier generations who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom. Each year, the Association organizes numerous trips to former battlefields and historical sites. To mark the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2024) and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (1944-2024), the Association organized a “Journey to Our Roots” to historic Dien Bien Phu.

The trip was not only an occasion for veterans to recall heroic memories but also an opportunity to educate younger generations about the nation’s patriotic traditions and steadfast fighting spirit. During the journey, the delegation offered incense at A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery and visited A1 Hill, the Dien Bien Phu History Museum, the de Castries Bunker, the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument, and Muong Thanh Bridge.

In 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification as well as the 80th anniversary of the victory of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the Association organized a trip to revisit former battlefields: Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Truong Son Martyrs’ Cemetery, Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Dong Loc Junction, and Truong Bon. The group also visited the memorial houses of General Secretary Nguyen Van Linh and Lieutenant General Nguyen Binh in Hung Yen. These places continue to echo the heroism of earlier generations in their courageous and indomitable struggle, reminding visitors of the value of today’s peace and independence.

One of the Association’s meaningful annual activities is to lay flowers and offer incense in remembrance at the University’s Tradition Room. This room commemorates the noble sacrifices of more than 600 NEU faculty, staff, and students who volunteered to serve on the front lines during the resistance wars for national salvation, including 61 who heroically gave their lives for the Fatherland’s independence and freedom.

Each year, the Association also visits and presents gifts to relatives of fallen soldiers who were University alumni, demonstrating a deep commitment to the moral traditions of “When drinking water, remember its source” and “Repaying gratitude.” These activities not only honor earlier generations but also help instill in younger generations gratitude, a sense of responsibility, and appreciation for the peace and independence enjoyed today.

In addition to commemorative activities at the University, NEU lecturers and students also attended a candle-lighting ceremony honoring fallen heroes on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day in Tan Yen, Bac Giang. This was not only an expression of profound gratitude to fallen heroes, wounded veterans, and families eligible for preferential treatment under state policies, but also an opportunity for students to gain experience and participate in practical volunteer activities, such as teaching English, building youth projects, and presenting gifts to disadvantaged households.

Through these experiences, students gained further opportunities for personal development and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the value of life today. The activities also inspired a sense of responsibility and commitment to serving the community—noble qualities of NEU’s youth.

Alongside its commemorative activities, the NEU Veterans’ Association regularly organizes gatherings to mark major national anniversaries, such as the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army, and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

At these warm gatherings, veterans have recalled heroic chapters of history and shared memories of military life, comradeship, and bonds with fellow soldiers, while engaging with and inspiring the University’s faculty, staff, and students. These meaningful activities not only help preserve and promote historical values but also provide vivid lessons in patriotism and revolutionary traditions for younger generations, deepening their appreciation of the sacrifices and contributions of their predecessors that made today’s peaceful and prosperous life possible.

Activities Supporting Fellow Veterans and the Community

The NEU Veterans’ Association clearly demonstrates the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” through numerous activities expressing solidarity with fellow veterans and responsibility toward the community. In recent years, the Association has regularly supported the construction and renovation of homes for disadvantaged veterans, providing VND 50–80 million per household. During its journey to historical sites in Dien Bien Phu, the delegation visited and presented gifts to two veterans’ families in Thanh Xuong Commune (Dien Bien District) and proposed building a charity house. In April 2025, the Association provided a further VND 80 million to help renovate the home of a veteran of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.

These practical actions not only demonstrate the spirit of “mutual support” and “the fortunate helping the less fortunate” but also help spread the University’s fine traditions. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, former Chairman of the Veterans’ Association, also shared information about the Association’s meaningful activities in recent years and thanked the Board of Management, the Party Committee, and the University Council for their continued attention and support, enabling activities for fellow veterans and the community to become increasingly frequent and meaningful.

These activities also align with the broader activities of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association, such as providing “Veterans’ Solidarity Houses” to disadvantaged members nationwide. This demonstrates the Association’s deep concern for its members’ lives, helping ensure social welfare and strengthen unity within the veterans’ community. In addition, the Association actively contributes to building a strong political system and improving its operational effectiveness in the new period, demonstrating its role as a trusted political force of the Party, the State, and the People.

Upholding the Qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in Life and Work

The qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” are demonstrated not only through collective activities but also strongly upheld in each veteran’s personal life and work, particularly in the new era.

For NEU veterans, upholding these qualities is even more meaningful in academic and economic settings. They are not only exemplary educators and staff members but also role models of dedication, innovation, and social responsibility. They continue to contribute to the development of the University, the field of economics, and the country, inspiring students with patriotism, the determination to advance, and the aspiration to contribute to the new era—the era of the nation’s rise.

Conclusion

After 30 years of development and service since the Association’s founding, most members of the NEU Veterans’ Association—its golden generation—have now retired, but succeeding generations continue to preserve and uphold the spirit and mettle of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers.” Looking toward its seventh congress for the 2025-2030 term, the Veterans’ Association has been affirming its important role in preserving and promoting the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” in the new era through activities expressing gratitude, educating about traditions, supporting fellow veterans, and setting examples in everyday life. They form a bridge between a heroic past and a bright future, providing powerful motivation for younger generations to learn, follow their example, and carry on their predecessors’ work to build an increasingly prosperous, strong, civilized, and integrated country. Upholding the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” is not only a responsibility but also a source of pride for every veteran, contributing to a united, compassionate, and sustainably developing society.

Through activities expressing gratitude, teaching traditions, and fostering camaraderie among veterans, the NEU Veterans’ Association has affirmed and continues to affirm its important role in preserving and promoting the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” in the new era. The University’s exemplary veterans, both at work and in everyday life, are living testaments to patriotism, dedication, and social responsibility. They are not only people who shed their blood and made sacrifices for national independence, but also exemplary educators, colleagues, and citizens who continue to contribute to the development of the University and the country. Learning from and following the example of veterans is both a responsibility and a source of pride for younger generations, helping build a society characterized by solidarity, compassion, and sustainable development.

Some photos of recent activities of the NEU Veterans’ Association:

Article and photos: NEU Veterans’ Association

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.