The April meeting

At that meeting, everyone was happily waiting as they would see old friends again to recall the old memories from the days of fierce war before 1975. They were forces of the Eastern Military - Civil Medicine who had such an emotional meeting in Tay Ninh.

The proud Eastern people’s army medicine

After 3 years of not being able to meet because of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, more than 500 delegates from the Military - Civil Medicine force of the Eastern battlefield were happy to meet for the 31st time at the hall of Tay Ninh provincial Party Committee. They  are now over 80 years old from Ho Chi Minh city, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Long An, Tay Ninh and others came shaking hands with greetings the comrades in the same trenches. Many in the Liaison Department have passed away, leaving everyone with grief.

They are the Eastern Military and Civil Medicine forces happy to meet up in Tay Ninh

People's Doctor Huynh Van Nhi - Head of the Liaison Department of Military - Civil Medicine War Zone D - Southeastern region, reviewed the glorious tradition of nearly 80 years when following the call of the CPV, generations of young people gathered under the great forest canopy of the historical War Zone D to contribute their efforts and blood to the cause of resistance wars against the invaders. In that army, thousands of medical staff with first aid bags on their shoulders and guns in their hands under the waves of bombs and bullets had fought to win back every breath and life of the dear comrades.

In extremely difficult and fierce conditions, the doctors and nurses who used the trenches as an emergency place and the tunnels as the operating room promptly saved many in the moments of life and death. The danger and lack of tools and medicine still did not make military and civilian medical soldiers on the battlefields of the Southeast falter. They always overcame to promptly show up to treat wounded soldiers under the rain of bombs and fire. Those images were forever imprinted in the hearts of generations and have become legends in the history of the struggle of the nation and the tradition of the Vietnamese health sector.

This emotional meeting also included young doctors and youth union members of Tay Ninh province. This is an opportunity to review the tradition of Military - Civil Medicine War Zone D - the Southeast region. The meeting reminded the heroic memories of a heroic time for the younger generation to follow.

Cherishing the fellowship

In the friendly atmosphere of the meeting, the old comrades shook hands to greet and review the years of fighting together in the hard and fierce days. They also felt sad when to recall the fallen forever lying in the ground. They remembered many who died from illness due to years of fierce war, injuries and deprivation. The officers and soldiers of the Eastern Military - Civil Medicine War Zone D in the past years have had gray hair. So memories rushed back, making them talk on forever.

During the two fierce and arduous resistance wars, War Zone D was a shining symbol of the extraordinary will, steadfastness and heroism of the people of the Southeast region, contributing to the final victory.

At the meeting, Luong Quang Luc said he used to work at the Hospital of the Military Command of Tay Ninh province. Currently, he joins the Veterans Association of Tay Ninh province. He was very happy to know who was still alive and who had died. Nguyen Thi Thanh Hong, now 83, from Dong Nai, said she met many who worked together before 1975. “I am very happy to see that many of my fellowship are still healthy. Now, let's recall the days of fierce that have passed as there is nothing more fun than that!" said Hong.

Nguyen Thi Ha Sinh from Binh Duong, Deputy Head of the Liaison Department, said that many people who shared the same trenches have lost contact. Having traditional meetings like this is very meaningful for them to stay in touch.

Excellent Doctor Cao Van Chi, former Director of Tay Ninh Department of Health during the resistance war was Deputy Head of the Civil Medicine Department of Tay Ninh province. The memories of him and his comrades during the years in War Zone D are touching because they did not manage the difficulties and shortages to take care of the wounded and sick, making a great contribution to the day when North and South reunited as one.

In these April days, we are more proud of the tradition of Military - Civil Medicine War Zone D of Southeast region. The CPV, the State and the people also always appreciate and recognize the great contributions of generations of revolutionary doctors who have devoted their youth and even their lives to medical care and treatment of cadres and soldiers, contributing to the historic victory in the spring of 1975 to completely liberate the South and reunify the country.

Reported by Quynh Nhu – Translated by Vi Bao