Humanists Today: From Gratitude to the Responsibility of Continuing the Legacy

Continuing the tradition of "Drinking water, remember the source."

In the solemn atmosphere of the Martyrs' Memorial on the campus of the University of Natural Sciences, representatives of the Party Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Trade Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities respectfully offered incense and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who laid down their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

The moment of silence before the Monument transported everyone back to the fierce years of the resistance war, when countless sons and daughters of the nation sacrificed their youth on the battlefield. With the spirit of "Fighting to the death for the Fatherland," during the great war against the US to save the nation, tens of thousands of university students, including nearly 2,000 faculty and students from Hanoi University (later the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi), responded to the call of the Fatherland, the Party, and beloved Uncle Ho, voluntarily setting aside their studies to "cut through the Truong Son Mountains to save the country." Most of them were assigned to technical branches of the armed forces, 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".

Representatives from the Party Committee, the Board of Directors, and the Trade Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities respectfully offered incense and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who laid down their lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

Continuing that journey, the school visited and presented gifts to wounded and sick soldiers at the Hanoi No. 2 Center for the Care and Rehabilitation of Meritorious People. The intimate conversations, handshakes, and sincere inquiries demonstrated the affection of the school's staff, lecturers, and students for those who left a part of their blood and bones on the battlefield.

The gathering of officials and employees who are children of martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and families of policy beneficiaries became a profound moment of reflection in the series of activities commemorating July 27th. There, history was no longer a distant chapter in history, but emerged through the memories of those who grew up with portraits of their fathers, with the wounds of war, and with stories that never grow old.

Associate Professor Bui Thanh Nam - Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice Rector of the university, expressed his gratitude to the generations of ancestors and families of wounded soldiers and martyrs on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day, July 27th.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Huong - former Head of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication (now the Institute of Journalism and Communication Training) - emotionally recounted the story of his father, a martyr in the resistance war. His father sacrificed his life when he was young, but his father's image and ideals have always accompanied him throughout his journey of growth, becoming a source of pride and a foundation for him to strive in his studies, work, and contributions to the university and the country.

For officials and workers who are children of families receiving preferential treatment, the loss of their families is an immeasurable pain, but also a source of immense pride. From the sacrifices of their fathers and ancestors, each person deeply understands the value of peace and the meaning of living responsibly towards the community.

Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Van Huong - Institute of Journalism and Communication Training, emotionally recounted the story of his father, a martyr in the resistance war.

Upholding the spirit of our ancestors in educating and training the younger generation.

From the perspective of a child whose father was a war invalid and whose uncle was a fallen soldier, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Nhu Trang - Faculty of Literature - recounted the story of her uncle's sacrifice, her father's comrades, and the fighting spirit of a generation of soldiers. A father bearing the scars of war, yet still yearning to find his fallen comrades, evokes memories of the nation's heroic spirit during the resistance against the French and Americans, when countless young people were willing to leave their families and set aside their personal dreams to join the battlefield.

"War is a great test," but what remains after the suffering, according to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Nhu Trang, is love and kindness. The first day of peace brought joy and pride, but within it were still the "music of rain" of loss, of those who have not returned, and of searches that have yet to end.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Nhu Trang - Faculty of Literature shared touching stories about family members who have contributed to the country.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu from the Faculty of Philosophy and Management shared that gratitude towards heroic martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and those who have made contributions to the nation needs to be continued through concrete actions by each faculty member and lecturer. This is the responsibility to preserve the values ​​that our ancestors sacrificed their lives for, while simultaneously passing on to future generations of students patriotism, resilience, intelligence, and a sense of community service.

In the educational environment, the spirit of previous generations is continued through each lecture, each research project, and the way teachers nurture the character of their students. Educating the younger generation to appreciate history, to live with integrity and responsibility, and to be ready to contribute is also a way to ensure that the sacrifices of our ancestors continue to shine brightly in today's life.

Nguyen Thi Nhu - Faculty of Philosophy and Management, shared her gratitude to the heroic martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and those who have made contributions to the nation.

Dr. Pham Van Hue - Department of Training and Student Affairs, shares stories about educating students about a sense of responsibility.

From offering incense before the Memorial Monument to the poignant stories shared during the gathering, the series of activities on July 27th connected the past with the present through gratitude and responsibility. For the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, the tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source" is not only found in remembrance but is also continued in the mission of training young generations who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and aspire to contribute to building the nation.

The Party Committee, Board of Directors, and Trade Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities presented gifts of gratitude to staff and employees who are children of martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and families entitled to preferential policies.

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