Extending the journey of Gratitude - Spreading the fire of the "Forever 20" Club

VHO - 20 years ago, after the two diaries "Forever 20" by martyr Nguyen Van Thac and People's Armed Forces Hero Dang Thuy Tram were published, the "Forever 20" Fund, decided by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, was officially established on August 16, 2005.

From 2022, to suit the actual operating conditions, the Forever 20 Fund changed its name to Forever 20 Club . But despite the name change, the purpose remains the same as in the beginning: gratitude - honor - charity - inspiration.

Gratitude to the founding members and companions who have joined hands and contributed to the "Forever 20" Club over the past 20 years

Speaking at the 20th Anniversary Ceremony of the Forever 20 Club held on the afternoon of August 16, Lieutenant General Doan Sinh Huong, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Chairman of the Forever 20 Club affirmed: The 20-year journey is not long, but has marked many memories, marks and successes of the Forever 20 Club.

Throughout its operation, the Club has always adhered to two criteria: first, to show gratitude to comrades, heroic martyrs and those who have devoted themselves to the Revolution; second, to pass on the revolutionary flame and arouse patriotism in the younger generation.

With persistent efforts over the past 20 years, the Club has successfully completed its tasks, been recognized by society, appreciated by teammates, and especially left deep affection in the hearts of people in remote areas.

“The past 20 years have been two decades of perseverance in overcoming difficulties. With no fixed financial resources or assets, Forever 20 operates entirely on the charity and contributions of organizations, businesses, and individuals at home and abroad. Thanks to that, the flame of gratitude, of humanity, and civic responsibility has been constantly spreading…”- Lieutenant General Doan Sinh Huong shared.

Launching the Board of Management and Executive Board of "Forever 20" Club in the new term (2025 - 2028)

We have never forgotten that millions of Vietnamese children fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, most of them when they were very young, in their 20s. Those who were lucky enough to survive and return home had devoted their entire youth to the battlefield... Therefore, the gratitude and charity journey of Forever 20 has visited hundreds of cemeteries and historical sites.

In particular, in 2019, Forever 20 mobilized funds and directly organized the construction of the Gratitude Tower at the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, Quang Tri .

This project was built in more than 1,000 days, with a total socialized cost of nearly 3 billion VND. The tower is designed to be 9 stories high, with the first floor to worship President Ho Chi Minh and display historical documents and images.

The project has become a sacred symbol of respect, a red address for present and future generations.

Over the past 20 years, Forever 20 has organized hundreds of trips to remote areas: Tuyen Quang, Son La, Dien Bien, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Ninh, Cao Bang ... to give gifts to Border Guard stations, build border protection posts, build houses of gratitude, bridges for people, support families of martyrs, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, and disadvantaged children. Thousands of sets of clothes, books, and necessities have reached people in the highlands.

In particular, the organization of collecting, compiling, publishing and introducing hundreds of works of the Forever 20 Bookcase , included in the book series Vietnam Wartime Letters and Vietnam Wartime Diary.

The Club's Board of Directors and Executive Board took a group photo with delegates and generations of "Forever 20"

Along with the memoirs and autobiographies in the Soldier's Heart Bookcase of veterans that have been published and introduced publicly.

The Dang Thuy Tram Bookcase Program, coordinated by Forever 20 , has donated dozens of bookcases to schools and cultural houses in many regions across the country, contributing to improving people's knowledge and awakening gratitude and dreams for future generations.

With the belief: not to let the sacrifices and blood of martyrs, wounded soldiers, and veterans become meaningless; not to let the young generation forget the nation's heroic history of fighting against foreign invaders; Forever 20 always focuses on connecting with young people and students.

Since 2017, the 20-year-old Flame Club was born at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, as a brainchild to continue that flame.

In recent years, Forever 20 has collaborated with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi to organize programs such as: Sacred Vietnam 2016, Vietnamese Posture 2017, Vietnamese Glory 2018, Proud Vietnam 2019, Resilient Vietnam 2020 and Military Marching Song 2021 ... with the participation of thousands of students of all generations.

The book series "Vietnam War Diary" includes 4 volumes, with more than 5,000 printed pages, size 16x24 cm, produced by the "Forever 20" Club in collaboration with "Soldier's Heart" in 2020, is a typical work of the "Forever 20" Bookcase.

According to Colonel, Writer, War Veteran Dang Vuong Hung, Vice Chairman of the Board of Management and Executive Board of the Forever 20 Club, looking back on the past 20 years, Forever 20 has the right to be proud that the greatest achievement is the spirit of gratitude, honoring patriotism, sense of responsibility and connection between generations, lit from the heart, passed on to heart.

From the blood and tears of the past, today we build the future with gratitude and practical work for the next generation. Forever 20 years old is a symbol of aspiration and dedication, of commitment and unlimited love for the homeland of the "Soldier's Heart".

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/noi-dai-hanh-trinh-tri-an-truyen-lua-cua-cau-lac-bo-mai-mai-tuoi-20-161664.html