Hanoi – The worn pages of a diary, a tangible echo of the first, momentous flight into the sky and the subsequent aerial battle, have become a profound testament to the enduring spirit of martyr pilot Tran Thanh Nghia. These mementos offer a poignant glimpse into his final days, a period marked by intense combat and ultimately, sacrifice. This profound connection to the past, preserved within the pages of his journal, allows his family to navigate the challenging days that have followed his passing.
The diary, carefully preserved by the family of pilot Tran Thanh Nghia, specifically recounts his final mission as a pilot in squadron 371, Air Defense-Air Force. He was honored alongside 310 other distinguished cadres and revolutionary soldiers who dedicated their lives to the cause of Vietnamese independence. This poignant collection of writings serves as a bridge to his heroism, connecting the living with the indelible spirit of those who fought for Vietnam’s freedom. The diary entries, especially those pertaining to his final mission on July 23rd, offer a deeply personal perspective on the sacrifices made.
"At 10:05 AM on March 5th, the first time in my life I experienced the sensation of taking flight and engaging in aerial combat, soaring high in the sky. It was my first mission, a defining moment for a cadet, an experience that brought about an indescribable feeling. Though the flight lasted only 30 minutes, it was enough to understand the profound sense of duty that accompanies the mission of protecting the nation’s airspace," Nghia wrote in his diary, recounting his maiden flight in 1999. This entry captures the youthful idealism and unwavering dedication that defined his path to becoming a pilot in the Vietnam People’s Air Force.
Pilot Tran Thanh Nghia tragically perished during a combat mission in 2009, at the young age of 27. At the time of his sacrifice, he was awaiting the arrival of his second child. Tragically, his son was born on July 27, 2009, just 50 days after his father’s heroic death. The diary, a cherished possession, serves as a constant reminder of his life and the circumstances surrounding his ultimate sacrifice.
For 17 years, every recollection of Nghia brings a flood of emotions for his family. Mrs. Bach Trang, his wife, confesses that she experienced a period of profound grief and withdrawal, struggling to engage with the outside world. However, it is the diary, nestled within the pages of a flight uniform, that has become a source of strength, enabling her to navigate the immense challenges she has faced.
The Weight of Legacy: Family Bonds and National Duty
Mrs. Bach Trang, later appointed to the National Assembly, chose a career in journalism, a path that allowed her to remain connected to the spirit of service. She believes that Nghia’s diary is not only a personal keepsake but also a legacy for other families who have lost loved ones in service to the nation, particularly those who died defending the country’s airspace. She emphasizes their readiness to embrace any future challenges, even to the point of sacrificing their lives to fulfill their national duty.
"Death is an inevitable part of life, something no one wishes for. Yet, behind the tears, there lies a profound sense of pride and honor for our family, and for our children, because he dedicated his life to the sacred duty of defending the homeland," she stated.
Echoes of War: Preserving the Memory of Fallen Heroes
In Hanoi, Nguyen An Hoi was presented with the 96-page diary of his father, martyr and teacher Nguyen Duc Chau, who died in battle in 1965. After 60 years of separation, the father "returned" through these relics – a birth certificate, military service records, and a party membership card – to be reunited with his family.
A volunteer soldier during the war from 1959 to 1975, Nguyen Duc Chau was a teacher, a student, and a medical worker. He was part of the contingent of intellectuals who volunteered to travel south. All their accumulated resources, from personal belongings to diary entries, were meticulously documented to be sent back to Northern Vietnam, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the cause. Many, however, never returned from the battlefield.
Hoi, the son, is also a former teacher who taught students in the South before they were evacuated to the North. Hoi recounts a poignant memory: one day, his four-year-old son clung to him, weeping inconsolably. It was only later that he understood his son was grieving the loss of his father, feeling the profound sense of emptiness.
Mrs. Nguyen Vi Anh, 93, the wife of martyr Chau, remembers her husband leaving for the South when their eldest son was only four years old, and their youngest was just 11 months old. During her lifetime, she received three official letters informing her of her husband’s death. The profound sorrow of the family was amplified by the sheer volume of sacrifices made by countless families for the sake of national independence.
"If there were no sacrifices, how could there be independence?" Mrs. Vi Anh remarked.
The Enduring Spirit of Sacrifice: Tales from the Battlefield
The museum is a place of profound reverence, attracting many visitors. Martyr Nguyen Quang Phuc, a former official in the South, was a former artillery officer who was sent to the Central Highlands. The war’s demands led him to volunteer to go to Quang Nam province in 1967.
Before his departure, he promised his wife and three children that he would return. A year later, the family received a telegram informing them of his death in action in the southern skies, and his burial in a special cemetery for martyrs. The family established an altar, their hopes of his return fading with each passing day. The relics he left behind are now, for the first time in half a century, reunited with his family.
Throughout his life, Nguyen Huu Tai, former Political Commissar of the Military Region 2, witnessed numerous historical milestones of the nation. At 97 years old, he participated in the August Revolution and endured years of hardship fighting against the French. He recalls the struggles of the Vietnamese people, their unwavering spirit of patriotism and their deep desire for national independence.
"Our lives are dedicated to a single purpose: to serve our country with every drop of blood, to fight for the independence and freedom of our nation," he stated.
Honoring the Fallen: Government Initiatives and Public Commemoration
At the ceremony, Politburo member and Standing Committee Secretary Le Minh Hung emphasized that a backpack, a ready-to-go bag, or a diary, all imbued with the scent of time, are not merely relics but powerful connectors between history and the present, between the sacrifices of the past and the responsibilities of the present generation.
The government consistently prioritizes the care of those who have contributed to the revolution, recognizing it as a paramount national responsibility. This commitment extends to improving the material and spiritual well-being of individuals with meritorious service to the nation and their families. A nationwide campaign, "500 Days to Search and Identify Martyr’s Remains," has been launched to accelerate the process of locating and identifying fallen soldiers. Specialized units are working tirelessly to clear over 8,400 hectares of land contaminated with bombs and mines, particularly in the vital Vung Xuyen area (Tuyen Quang), ensuring that these areas are safe for development.
"Every identified martyr’s remains and every identified relic brings a measure of solace to the pain of war, fulfilling the hopes of families who have waited for years," he said.
In response to the Politburo’s call, numerous businesses have taken concrete actions. Vingroup, for instance, has pledged VND 11,000 billion to support the construction of housing for war invalids and martyrs, including those of the 1/4 group.
Xuan Hoa
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