The workshop, organized by the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with the Veterans Association of the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, on December 20, 2024, attracted the participation of veterans from universities in Hanoi.
A place that recreates the heroic memories of veterans.With the theme "Memories of Soldiers - A Time When Students Put Aside Their Pens to Go to War," the conference was not only a scientific forum but also a meeting place for veteran comrades from universities and colleges in Hanoi, to reminisce about a time when students were ready to put aside their pens and books to go to war for national independence and the freedom of the Fatherland.
In his opening remarks at the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cong Nhat - Chairman of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, expressed: Recalling "The Soldier's Memories - A Time When We Put Aside Our Pens and Books to Go to War" today is not only about telling the stories of those who went to fight, but also about telling the stories of those who remained in the rear, actively participating in production and providing a solid support base for the soldiers who went to the battlefield to fight the enemy and save the country.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cong Nhat - Chairman of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
These are also the stories of veterans, teachers, and scientists with their still-complicated daily lives; the concerns of veteran teachers about the importance of educating younger generations and university students about traditions in today's classrooms.
These are also stories of exemplary veterans in the patriotic emulation movement in production, business, research and teaching, and of veteran cadres who diligently work day and night to strengthen the Association's work...
Associate Professor Pham Cong Nhat emphasized: "The esteemed colleagues and comrades attending this conference today are not only scientists but also former comrades who enthusiastically dedicated themselves to the cause. Now, in their old age, they return here to reminisce about fond memories and to convey their hopes for the younger generation in the current and future development of the country."
Colonel Pham Thanh Quy - Head of the Propaganda Department of the Hanoi City Veterans Association - highly appreciated the significance of the workshop.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the University Council, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Paying tribute to the losses and sacrifices of the veteran teachers of Hanoi University (HNU) in the national liberation struggle, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thanh Nam - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the University Council of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, expressed that, inheriting the glorious tradition of soldiers, the Veterans Association has continued to make important contributions to the development of the university in particular and the country in general, passing on to the younger generation the spirit of patriotism, the heroic sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the intellectual soldiers who left HNU. Returning to the rear, the veteran teachers continue to be an important force contributing to the development and progress of the nation.
Prior to the conference, veterans from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, laid wreaths at the memorial to the generations of faculty and students of the University who served in the military to defend the Fatherland.
The spirit and pride of the veterans who graduated from Hanoi University of Technology.According to Professor Nguyen Quang Bau, Chairman of the Veterans Association of the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, with the spirit of "Fighting to the death for the Fatherland," during the great resistance war against the US, tens of thousands of university students, including nearly 2,000 staff and students of Hanoi University of Technology (later the two universities of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), responded to the call of the Fatherland, the Party, and beloved Uncle Ho, voluntarily putting aside their studies to "cut through the Truong Son Mountains to save the country."
Professor Nguyen Quang Bau - Chairman of the Veterans Association of the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi - co-chaired the workshop.
With the sacred aspiration of "liberating the South and unifying the country," from the very beginning of the resistance war against the US to save the nation, Hanoi University of Technology sent many cadres along the 559 supply line and the Ho Chi Minh Trail to join the revolution in the South and directly take up arms to fight.
Following this, a wave of volunteer cadres and students enlisted in the army, heading south to fight and defend the socialist North. The peak was the send-off of nearly 4,000 cadres and students from 33 universities and colleges in the socialist North on September 6, 1971. In this recruitment drive, Hanoi University of Technology sent nearly 400 students from its seven basic faculties (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature, History, Geography) to fight. A year later, on September 23, 1972, over 300 students from universities and colleges, including Hanoi University of Technology, went to fight. Then came the sending-offs of Hanoi University of Technology's cadres and students from evacuation locations in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen, and Dai Cuong, Ung Hoa, former Ha Tay,... with nearly 2,000 cadres and students going to fight.
Most of them were assigned to technical branches, while others joined infantry divisions, directly participating in fierce battles across various battlefields such as: Route 9 – Khe Sanh, defending the Quang Tri Citadel, An Loc, the 12-day and 12-night Dien Bien Phu air battle, Buon Ma Thuot, Hue, Da Nang, Saigon, the southwestern border battlefield, Cambodia, the northern border battlefield, etc. On every front, they fought tenaciously and bravely for the independence and freedom of the nation – worthy of the pride of being "Soldiers of Hanoi University of Technology".
There are 63 heroes and martyrs, including faculty and students of Hanoi University of Technology, who bravely sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and happiness of the people (and many more heroes and martyrs whose information is yet to be clearly identified), such as Le Anh Xuan, Pham Van Phong, Ngo Van So, Chu Cam Phong, Hong Tan, Nguyen Trong Dinh, Nguyen Van Long, Nguyen Chi Tam, Dang Luan, Nguyen Quoc Khai, Bui Khac Tuong, Vu Nhu Minh, Nguyen Khanh Thuy, Dao Cong Khac, Tran Manh Hung, Nguyen Kim Giao, Nguyen Van Thac,... Hundreds of faculty and students left a part of their blood and bones on the fierce battlefield. They are wounded and sick soldiers, suffering from pain whenever the weather changes. But above all, they remain resilient, continue to live, continue to work - dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to everyone, to the peaceful and happy life we enjoy today.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lam Ba Nam - former Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chairman of the Association of Retired Teachers, and member of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Recounting heartwarming stories from the battlefield, Associate Professor Dr. Lam Ba Nam - former Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Chairman of the Association of Retired Faculty, and member of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - said that soldiers, from the lecture halls to the battlefields, were always ready to accept any task assigned by the Party and the State and were determined to complete their assigned tasks to the best of their ability. Upon returning after peace, these soldiers possessed the courage to perform well in scientific research, teaching at the university, and in their daily lives.
After the war, some officers and students remained in the military, some transferred to civilian agencies, and others returned to Hanoi University of Technology. They all continued to uphold the spirit of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," making significant contributions to the cause of national construction and defense in general, and Hanoi University of Technology in particular. Among the achievements of Hanoi University of Technology, which were awarded the Ho Chi Minh Order and the title of Hero of Labor during the đổi mới (renovation) period by the Party and State, are the contributions of 79 veterans who have worked at the university. These include 55 Party members, 3 People's Teachers, 20 Excellent Teachers, 45 PhDs and Doctors of Science, 6 professors, and 27 associate professors. 25 of them have held or are currently holding key leadership positions in the University, Faculties, and Departments. The veterans of Hanoi University of Technology have been, are, and will forever be shining examples for generations of officers, union members, youth, and students of the University to emulate.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thanh Hung - Former Vice President of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities
According to Associate Professor Pham Thanh Hung, former Vice President of the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the soldiers who graduated from Hanoi University of Technology possess a unique "integrated spirit," carrying within them two cultural currents: wartime culture and academic culture. Even in the harsh and arduous conditions of war, these soldiers yearned to learn, research, and contribute their knowledge to the country, both in times of war and peace. Many soldiers simultaneously fought with weapons, wrote memoirs, and taught during the fierce war.
Each story recounted by Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Thanh brought a great deal of emotion to the audience.
Recalling the memories of their evacuation days in Bac Ninh, Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Thanh – former Vice Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – shared that the students of Hanoi University of Technology did not hesitate for a moment when they received the order to go to war. The messages and encouragement from their friends who stayed behind became beautiful memories, etched in the hearts of the soldiers of Hanoi University of Technology. This was also the motivation for the soldiers to resolutely go to war, and no matter the battlefield or the mission, they fought with the ideals, beliefs, and hearts of soldiers from Hanoi University of Technology.
Colonel, Professor, Doctor Nguyen Canh Toan - Thang Long University, former student of Hanoi University of Technology, delivered a speech at the conference.
Colonel, Professor, and Doctor Nguyen Canh Toan - Thang Long University, a former student of the University of Hanoi, emphasized that veteran educators and scientists always uphold the ethics of a soldier, especially the responsibility of setting an example in their work and life. Through their activities, veterans have contributed to educating generations of Vietnamese students and youth about the tradition of patriotism and gratitude.
The workshop received many valuable scientific papers from educators and scientists who are veterans. These reports will be published as a book to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Hanoi University of Technology in 2025.
Here are some photos from the workshop:
Highly appreciating the significance of the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quy Lien - Vice President of the Veterans Association of the National Economics University, emphasized that the seminar embodied the spirit of soldiers and the intellectual prowess of the veterans who graduated from Hanoi University of Technology.
Dr. Trinh Van Dinh - Head of the Scientific Research Management Department, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi, delivered a congratulatory speech at the conference.
