Journey back to the source at War Zone D: Connecting memories, continuing the spirit of soldiers in white blouse

To commemorate the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (22/12/1944 – 22/12/2025) and the 36th anniversary of the National Defense Day (22/12/1989 – 22/12/2025), on the morning of 18/12/2025, the Party Committee and the Management Board of the University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City (BV ĐHYD) organized a source program at War Zone D (Central Headquarters of the Southern Department), Ma Da hamlet, Tri An commune, Dong Nai province.

The program involved 73 staff members and workers who are transferred soldiers, retired military personnel, former Youth volunteers, and special officers working at the Hospital. In the quiet old forest space – once the leadership center of the Southern revolution during the intense war resistance years – each step of the delegation seemed to slow down to listen to the deep history.

At the Martyrs' Temple and the Central Southern Region Cemetery, the delegation solemnly held an incense offering ceremony to pay tribute, expressing deep gratitude towards the heroic martyrs who sacrificed for the country's independence and freedom. The commemorative atmosphere was solemn and reverent, evoking many emotions, especially for those who had directly participated in the battlefield and armed forces.

Continuing the tribute activities, members toured the overall historic site, experienced the connecting road, learned about the Financial Committee plaque, and listened to a presentation on the tradition of the Heroic Troops of Uncle Ho linked to the historical role of the Central Southern Region Base. Stories of hardship, steadfast will, and the spirit of sacrifice of previous generations evoked many emotions, helping each person further appreciate the value of today's peace.

Sharing during the trip, Dr. CKII Lê Hoàng Kầm – former Head of the Comprehensive Planning Department, said emotionally that each return to historic sites is an opportunity to relive the memories of past years, and to better feel the care and solidarity of the Hospital staff towards previous generations.

Along that same emotional current, Dr. CKII. Phan Bảo Khánh - former Head of the Personnel Organization Department shared further historical insights about the Mã Đà region, one of the first bases of the Southern Region Central Office in the early stage of the resistance war.

Speaking at the program, Associate Professor Đặng Anh Long - Deputy Party Secretary of the department, President of the Hospital's Trade Union emphasized: the trips to the source are not only an occasion to revisit tradition but also an opportunity for the generations within the Hospital to meet, share, and become more connected. The spirit of the soldiers of yesteryear continues to be nurtured and spread in today's white blouse, linked with the responsibility of caring for and protecting the people's health.

The journey concludes in a solemn yet warm atmosphere. The incense tablets of tribute, the stories shared, and the memories recalled have helped connect generations of staff and hospital workers, providing additional motivation to together preserve the spirit of dedication and camaraderie in the journey of serving the community.