GREEN SUMMER 2025: YOUTH OF VIETNAM AVIATION ACADEMY ON A JOURNEY TO THE ROOTS – IGNITING THE FLAME FROM HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2025), as part of the activities of the “Blue Shirts for the Community” volunteer team under the 2025 Green Summer Campaign of the Vietnam Aviation Academy, the volunteer soldiers carried out a journey to the roots entitled “Gratitude Journey – Igniting the Flame of Origins.”

This special journey took the young volunteer soldiers to two prominent historical landmarks in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City: the Memorial Stele for the 1968 Mau Than Spring and the Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site. It was a meaningful opportunity for the youth of the Vietnam Aviation Academy to express their deep gratitude to the generations who sacrificed for national independence, while also nurturing patriotism, noble ideals, and a strong sense of responsibility among students in the new era.

The solemn bows of the esteemed delegates and young volunteer soldiers reflected their deep reverence as they looked back at the vivid images of a glorious time during the wartime era.

Attending the program were Comrade Huỳnh Thanh Trúc – Deputy Secretary of the Academy’s Youth Union, Deputy Commander of the Campaign; Comrade Nguyễn Xuân Dương – President of the Academy’s Student Association, Chief Commander of the Ho Chi Minh City Front; along with Green Summer volunteer soldiers representing the Vietnam Aviation Academy. On behalf of Tan Nhut Commune, Comrade Nguyễn Thanh Hoàng – Deputy Secretary of the Tan Nhut Commune Youth Union, and fellow youth union members also participated in the event.

At the Lang Le – Bau Co Historical Site, a location of strategic importance during the resistance war against the United States—where the armed forces and people of Saigon – Gia Dinh bravely fought under extremely harsh conditions—volunteer soldiers had the opportunity to learn about the heroic victories achieved there. They witnessed firsthand the preserved war relics, gaining a deeper understanding of the indomitable spirit of sacrifice embodied in the motto “Determined to die for the survival of the Fatherland” upheld by generations of predecessors.

The young volunteer soldiers solemnly offered incense as a gesture of deep gratitude and remembrance for the generations of Vietnamese who laid down their lives for the peace and freedom the nation enjoys today.

The heroic pages of history came alive in the hearts of the young volunteer soldiers, evoking a deep sense of solemnity and reverence.

The final stop of the journey was the Memorial Stele for the 1968 Mau Than Spring – a solemn landmark commemorating one of the most heroic and tragic chapters in the nation’s history during the Tet Offensive. Located in Binh Chanh Commune, this memorial was built to honor and remember the courageous sacrifice of more than 500 revolutionary soldiers who laid down their lives in a fierce battle, fighting valiantly for every inch of land and every breath of independence for the nation.

The delegates and young volunteer soldiers also had the opportunity to listen to guided narrations, gaining deeper insights into the nation’s history through each significant period.

Here, in a solemn and quiet space, the volunteer soldiers gathered to offer incense, observe a moment of silence, and listen to local officials recount historic battles that once took place on this land. Each story brought to life a vivid image of those fiery days, when the youth of that time fearlessly embraced sacrifice—guided by their unwavering patriotism and writing glorious chapters of history with their very own blood and bones.

The volunteer soldiers together offered incense in remembrance of the great President Ho Chi Minh at the memorial site’s museum area.

The inscriptions etched into the stone—though weathered by time—still retain their profound historical value and unyielding spirit. They serve as a powerful reminder to today’s generation of the price of peace, of the silent sacrifices that laid the foundation for the independence we now inherit. This place is not only a cultural and historical destination, but also a cradle for nurturing ideals, igniting pride, and instilling gratitude in the hearts of every young member of the Youth Union.

The delegates and young volunteer soldiers also had the opportunity to listen to guided narrations, gaining deeper insights into the nation’s history through each significant period.

The activities took place in a solemn atmosphere, yet still carried the vibrant spirit and distinctive energy of the enthusiastic young volunteers from the Aviation Academy.

This trip was not only a journey to pay tribute to fallen heroes and martyrs, but also an opportunity for every Youth Union member to reflect on their role and responsibility in the cause of national construction and defense. Where each incense stick was lit, the flame of tradition was passed on — burning brightly in the hearts of the younger generation.

This “Journey to the Roots” activity was a meaningful part of the 2025 Green Summer Campaign, contributing to the political and ideological education of students from the Vietnam Aviation Academy. It helped nurture patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility toward the community and the nation’s history.

Sharing about this activity, a representative of the Campaign Command stated:

“Each candle of gratitude that is lit stands as a symbol of youthful resilience—never backing down, always remembering the past, and ready to act for the future. Students of the Vietnam Aviation Academy not only carry the ambition to conquer the skies, but also bear hearts full of passion, with a strong desire to contribute and to give back. Today’s gratitude journey is a vivid testament to that very spirit.”

The Green Summer volunteer soldiers of the Vietnam Aviation Academy visited the Memorial Stele for the 1968 Mau Than Spring, marking a meaningful journey of gratitude and return to the roots.

Through this meaningful activity, the youth of the Vietnam Aviation Academy continue to affirm their pioneering spirit, courage, and creativity in the volunteer movement—contributing to the building of a compassionate, caring society rich in national identity.

ĐTN&HSV – HTT