As part of efforts to honor those who came before and the Government’s campaign to “Eliminate Dilapidated Housing,” with support from the Party Committee and the NEU Board of Presidents, the Veterans’ Association of National Economics University (NEU) presented financial assistance on the afternoon of April 19, 2024, to renovate the home of the late veteran Phan Dinh Mai in Hai Chu Village, Trung Hai Commune, Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province.

The NEU Veterans’ Association, local leaders and the family pose for a commemorative photo.

Attending the presentation ceremony on behalf of the local authorities were Mai Viet Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Commune Party Committee; Le Van Son, Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee; Mai Van Binh, Chairman of the Veterans’ Association; Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Secretary of the Youth Union; Le Van Chuong, officer in charge of labor, invalids and social affairs; and Le Van Liem, a member of the Hai Chu Village leadership. Representing the family were the children and Tran Thi Cu, wife of the late veteran Phan Dinh Mai.

Representing the NEU Veterans’ Association were Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Chairman of the Veterans’ Association; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Trieu, Vice Chairman of the Veterans’ Association; MSc. Luong Viet Anh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of In-service Education, representing the Executive Committee of the NEU Trade Union; and members of the Veterans’ Association’s 2025 delegation visiting historical sites.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Chairman of the Veterans’ Association, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Trieu, Vice Chairman of the Veterans’ Association, present home renovation assistance to the family of veteran Phan Dinh Mai.

The late veteran Phan Dinh Mai was born and raised in Hai Chu Village. In 1967, he was relocated to Thanh Hoa to study. He enlisted in 1972 and went on to fight in defense of Quang Tri Citadel. Amid fierce fighting, he and his comrades still smiled with optimism and confidence in victory. During a visit to Quang Tri Museum, the late veteran Mai received this photograph from the museum. NEU digitized the photograph and presented it to the family for long-term preservation as a deeply meaningful historical keepsake. The late veteran Phan Van Mai served in the military until 1977 and was classified as a grade 2/4 wounded veteran, with a disability rate of 61%.

The NEU Veterans’ Association presents the commemorative photograph to the family.

At the ceremony to present a home to the family of veteran Phan Dinh Mai in recognition of his service, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Chairman of the NEU Veterans’ Association, conveyed the University leadership’s sincere regards to the family of veteran Phan Van Mai on behalf of the association. He also briefly introduced the University and its Veterans’ Association. Nearly 700 NEU staff members, teachers and students took part in the struggles for national liberation and defense. Of these, 61 fell on the battlefields, including 12 soldiers who died on the Quang Tri front and at the Citadel.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Dong introduces NEU and its Veterans’ Association.

Speaking with emotion at the ceremony, Tran Thi Cu thanked NEU leaders at all levels for their care and the University’s Veterans’ Association for traveling a long distance and, within a very short time, developing a funding proposal, planning the repairs and coming in person to present this gift. Tran Thi Cu was delighted and encouraged that the financial support would help the family renovate their home and address flooding during the rainy season.

On behalf of the local authorities, Mai Viet Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Thuong Hai Commune Party Committee, pledged to work with the family to ensure that the financial assistance was used for its intended purpose. He also committed to mobilizing local organizations to provide additional labor for renovating and repairing the house on schedule, with completion in July 2025.

Mai Viet Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Commune Party Committee, delivers remarks.

Supporting the repair and construction of homes for veterans facing particularly difficult circumstances in recognition of their service is a deeply humane activity that expresses gratitude and the bonds of comradeship among Uncle Ho’s soldiers—not only in wartime but also in everyday life during peacetime.

Beyond material assistance, this support also offers emotional solidarity, giving members of the Veterans’ Association renewed motivation to overcome feelings of inadequacy, stabilize their lives and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

It is hoped that, with the close attention of NEU leaders and the caring, responsible contributions of Veterans’ Association members, programs honoring and repaying those who have served will continue to expand and spread, enabling more veteran members to receive support and companionship and gain greater faith in life.

Some images from the ceremony:

Article and photos: Veterans’ Association & Department of Communications

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