Contributing to that solemnity is the silent work of Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat, who has been working as a caretaker here for many years.
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| Binh Long Martyrs Cemetery, the resting place of 2,364 heroic martyrs. Photo: Thanh Lam |
On the occasion of July 27 this year, veteran Nguyen Huu Dong, Dong Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City, and his family visited and burned incense at Binh Long Martyrs Cemetery. Witnessing the thoughtful care of his comrades' resting place as well as being warmly welcomed and guided by Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat, he could not help but be moved. Mr. Dong shared: "At noon on April 30, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, my comrades and I went to burn incense at Binh Long Cemetery. The first time I met Mr. Nhat, seeing him wholeheartedly cleaning each grave, I felt very warm."
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| Mr. Nhat welcomed veteran Nguyen Huu Dong and relatives of martyrs to visit Binh Long cemetery. Photo: Thanh Lam |
Taking care of graves, cleaning, trimming trees, welcoming visiting delegations, assisting in the exhumation of martyrs’ remains… are Nguyen Van Nhat’s daily tasks. At the age of 42, he has been a caretaker for 15 years, a job he considers a destiny and a great source of happiness.
Mr. Nhat said: “My father used to look after the cemetery. Since I was little, I followed my father to sweep leaves and plant trees. After finishing school, I went to work far away, then returned to continue my father's work. Although it was not hard work, on big holidays I sometimes had to stay up all night to ensure the cemetery was clean and solemn.”
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| Mr. Nhat and the youth union members of Tan Khai commune and other units renovated Binh Long Martyrs Cemetery on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27). Photo: Thanh Lam |
For Mr. Nhat, every tombstone, every name - even those with unknown identities - become familiar. His greatest happiness is helping relatives bring the remains of martyrs back to their hometowns. To date, he has helped more than 200 martyrs be buried locally. He shared: "I love this job and will continue to be attached to it for a long time. Although I only contributed a small part, I hope you rest in peace and the martyrs' relatives can rest in peace."
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| Pruning trees and beautifying the cemetery grounds has been Mr. Nhat's daily work for the past 15 years. Photo: Thanh Lam |
The work of caring for and renovating the martyrs' cemetery has always been of interest to the government and people of Tan Khai commune, becoming a regular and meaningful task. On holidays and Tet, associations and organizations take turns cleaning and taking care of the landscape, contributing to keeping the cemetery green, clean and beautiful. This not only supports Mr. Nhat but also motivates him to complete his tasks well.
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| Youth Union members of Tan Khai commune and units burn incense at the monument and clean up Binh Long Cemetery. Photo: Thanh Lam |
Vice Chairman of Tan Khai Commune People's Committee, Nguyen Viet Doi said: "Mr. Nhat is a dedicated person. For the past 15 years, he and his family have managed the martyrs' cemetery well, especially during holidays and Tet. Mr. Nhat's dedication and contributions are very valuable."
The work of managing the site is a quiet and silent job but has a very noble meaning. The heart and dedication of Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat for so long is a testament to the morality of "When drinking water, remember its source", reminding us to always remember the merits of the heroic martyrs, those who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.
Le Thanh Lam
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202507/nguoi-giu-lua-tri-an-nghia-trang-liet-si-binh-long-52b0a31/
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