Vietnamese Veterans in Angola Reflect on Homeland and Service

Vietnamese Ambassador to Angola Duong Chính Chức held a meeting with representatives of Vietnamese veterans living and working in Angola on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27). The meeting was also attended by leaders from the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Community Association in Angola and the Executive Committee of the Vietnamese Business Association in Angola. Ambassador Duong Chính Chức emphasized that the Party, State, and people always consider the overseas Vietnamese community, including veterans, an inseparable part of the nation. He noted that recently, authorities and citizens across Vietnam have organized numerous activities to honor martyrs at cemeteries, visit policy families, care for war invalids, and express gratitude to those with meritorious services. The Ambassador also highlighted the profound significance of the "500-day and night campaign to accelerate the search, collection, and identification of martyrs' remains" and the "Guiding Stars" television program, which was solemnly held in Hanoi, with connecting points in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces nationwide. Ambassador Chức expressed his hope that Vietnamese veterans in Angola will uphold the qualities of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" – loyalty, integrity, camaraderie, solidarity, and exemplary conduct – serving as a spiritual anchor for the Vietnamese community in Angola. Representatives of the veterans expressed their emotion at the meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy staff, recalling battlefield memories and military service with comrades. They felt cherished and remembered, affirming their commitment to maintaining the virtues of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" and supporting the community's cohesion. During the meeting, Ambassador Duong Chính Chức and the veterans agreed to establish the Vietnamese Veterans Association in Angola, designating July 27th as the traditional day for Vietnamese veterans in Angola. The Vietnamese Embassy in Angola will coordinate with Vietnamese communities in various provinces to identify more Vietnamese veterans living and working in Angola.