Two old soldiers with a touching story in Ba Dinh Square

81-year-old soldier and two unforgettable historical milestones

At 2:00 a.m. this morning, present at the historic Ba Dinh Square, Colonel Duong Pho (81 years old; Duc Minh commune, Ha Tinh), former Deputy Division Commander of Division 442, Military Region 4, could not help but be moved when standing on the very place where 50 years ago, he had the honor of participating in the parade in the high-ranking military bloc.

Veteran Duong Pho arrived in Hanoi at 1am to attend the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Photo: Bao Lam

His eyes lit up with pride as he recalled the heroic moments of those days. Mr. Pho shared: “It was a great honor to walk in the parade at Ba Dinh Square 50 years ago. The feeling at that time is unforgettable, our footsteps at that time were not only the footsteps of soldiers, but also the footsteps full of pride and honor after the arduous years of war.”

For veteran Duong Pho, this was an important milestone in his illustrious military career, but not his only achievement. Colonel Duong Pho is also known for an extraordinary feat: Using a rifle to shoot down an American reconnaissance plane on Co Re Hill (Huong Son, Ha Tinh ) in the fall of 1964.

Back in 1963, when he was in grade 7/10, Mr. Pho decided to volunteer for the army, even though his family had two older brothers who had joined the army. He “hid” from his family to go for a medical examination and was recruited and assigned to Battalion 927. After 3 months of training, he was an excellent rookie with 3 shots in the 10s.

Volunteers pin commemorative badges on Colonel Duong Pho. Photo: Bao Lam

In 1964, the enemy used modern aircraft to attack fiercely. Mr. Pho's squad was assigned to protect the border at Co Re hill. "That afternoon in September 1964, I discovered an enemy reconnaissance plane flying low. My nerves were tense, thinking that I could not surrender to the enemy, I focused on aiming at the propeller of the plane and pulled the trigger for the third time. The bullet went straight into the propeller, causing the plane to sway, spew black smoke and then burst into flames on Co Re hill," veteran Duong Pho recounted.

The miracle of the new soldier Duong Pho when our army shot down an American plane for the first time with a rifle became a strong source of encouragement for the entire army. After the victory, he was awarded the Third Class Military Exploit Medal and was commended.

His military career was extremely glorious when he participated in many battles in Laos, Quang Tri and in the Northern border war. He was honored to receive many Orders and Medals and also held many important positions such as Head of Training Department of Ha Tinh Provincial Military Command, Head of Operations Department of Division 441 and Deputy Division Commander of Division 442, Military Region 4. In 1989, he retired.

Colonel Duong Pho expressed his pride in attending the celebration. Clip: Bao Lam

Veteran Binh Duong Pho expressed: “I was extremely proud when celebrating the 50th anniversary of the country’s reunification and now being invited to attend the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2 at the historic Ba Dinh Square. Witnessing the country’s renewal, with the 50-year-old maturity of the army, equipped with modern, state-of-the-art weapons, I have complete confidence in the bright future of the country.”

Bringing mother's portrait to Ba Dinh Square

Also present at the historic Ba Dinh Square at 3am, veteran Le Cuong (77 years old; Ha Dong ward, Hanoi) could not help but be moved when attending the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the country. This time, he did not go alone but brought with him a sacred wish, holding a portrait of his late mother, so that his mother could witness this historic ceremony.

Veteran Le Cuong with his mother's portrait. Photo: Bao Lam

The moment veteran Le Cuong stood in the middle of the square, in full military uniform, holding a photo of his mother, touched the hearts of many people present.

Mr. Cuong shared: "My mother was born in 1911, had 11 children and I was the 10th child. She was a mother of soldiers during the two periods of fighting against the French and the Americans. In 1988, near the end of her life, I asked her if she had any wishes, she said she just wanted to go to Hanoi to visit Uncle Ho once. At that time, she was in her hometown of Nghe An, the roads were difficult to travel, there was a shortage of vehicles, we could not take her there. She passed away with that wish unfulfilled."

Veteran Le Cuong holds his mother's portrait and takes a souvenir photo with his comrades. Photo: Bao Lam

Since then, every time he visited Uncle Ho, Mr. Cuong could not hold back his tears, feeling sorry for his mother who had not had time to fulfill her simple dream. "After he passed away, I was tormented, not knowing what to do. Every time I visited Uncle Ho, I was tormented because my mother's old wish could not be fulfilled. This time, on the occasion of the great event of the nation, I decided to take my mother along to fulfill her old wish. In that far away place, my mother must be very happy," Mr. Cuong shared.

In the middle of the sacred Ba Dinh Square, the 77-year-old veteran held his mother's portrait tightly in his hand, his eyes shining as if to say, Mom, I have taken you to the place you always wanted. You have visited Uncle Ho, witnessed the 80th anniversary of the founding of the country.

This is not only the mother’s wish, but also the lifelong wish of veteran Le Cuong. His story is not only a living testament to filial piety, but also love for family and country.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/hai-nguoi-linh-gia-voi-cau-chuyen-xuc-dong-o-quang-truong-ba-dinh-714944.html