In the quiet space of Bac Ninh Citadel, footsteps quickly passed through the rows of houses and trees that were all too familiar. 95 bright faces from all over the country returned together, reconnecting the thread of memories that had begun thirty years ago. The young men of eighteen or twenty years ago had now entered the threshold of "knowing one's destiny" - each one had a stage in their military career, a story of ups and downs. An old scent of the schoolyard, a faintly heard Quan Ho melody, a familiar name call and handshakes, a sudden tight hug made someone's eyes sting.

Staff and students of CT2 course, Military Political Academy, school year 1995-2000.

In a friendly atmosphere, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh, Deputy Director of Factory Z125, General Department of Defense Industry, Head of the CT2 Liaison Committee sent wishes of health and happiness to the leaders, management officers and all dear comrades of Battalion 4.

CT2 Course representative presents commemorative painting to representative of Political Officer School.

In the joy of the reunion, nearly 100 former students could not help but remember three deceased comrades from the same class, Nguyen Huu Phuong, Le Anh Phan, and Chu Van Minh, as well as feel sorry that some comrades, due to health reasons or work commitments, could not attend today's celebration. Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh emphasized: "The more we miss our deceased comrades, the more we share with our sick comrades, the more determined we are to promote the activities of the Liaison Committee to new heights, so that this place can truly be a common home, a place that brings the warmth of comradeship, a place where we can share all joys and sorrows as well as settle unforgettable memories of a vibrant youth."

Students offered incense in memory of the heroic martyrs.

After a moment of nostalgia and gratitude, memories of our twenties flood back into our minds, as vivid as if it were just yesterday...

CT2 course enrolled in September and October 1995, with more than 100 comrades. During 10 months of training at Regiment 36, the course fought side by side to overcome the first challenge of the training process. The land of Luong Son, Hoa Binh (now Phu Tho province) was the starting point, leaving all the students with many memories as a comrade once wrote: “”.

CT2 Course students on campus.

In September 1996, CT2 class spent 18 months of General University at the Army Officer School I. During this period, the class welcomed many members who were admitted in 1996 and had squad leader certificates to study together. ""- a friend playfully wrote in his diary during the harsh days at the school nicknamed "boiling soldiers".

Colonel Vu Cong Tang, representing the former CT2 course managers, spoke.

But in reality, the sun of Son Tay is not scorching, and the Ba Vi mountain, though high, cannot obscure the future of the young students. The entire course has completed the General University stage to successfully overcome the barrier, returning to the newly merged school named Military Political Academy. Here, CT2 Course was given the name Battalion 4, stable until graduation.

These days were the most intense and exciting days of studying and training. Under the simple level 4 houses, with a bowl of rice and spinach, but with a heart full of ambition, although the youthful impetuosity still had many mischievous and impulsive things, everyone in the Course took to heart the slogan "Books next to flowers, guitar next to guns, a hundred-year career following Uncle Ho's footsteps". Some people crammed books day and night to practice for exams, even in the blazing sun, they still crawled into an iron box next to the soccer field to study in peace. Some drank very strong tea to stay up late to study hard. All for the goal of studying well and training seriously. And the days of tactical training in the mountainous district of Viet Yen, where names like Nui Voi, Chua Bo, Thuong Lat, Ha Lat... are now imprinted in the hearts of each student, becoming a land of soul transformation.

Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh, Head of the CT2 Liaison Committee, spoke.

Then there were evenings of learning to sing Quan Ho, teaching each other to dance, teaching each other how to cut letters, draw slogans, youth forums against lisping, volleyball tournaments "wet head - smooth hair". All activities of officers and students in the battalion were aimed at building a military cultural environment imbued with humanity, so that students of Course CT2 could compete in learning to eat, to speak, to wrap, to open, to work, to be human, to be officers.

From the beloved school located in Bac Ninh Citadel, CT2 students have spread everywhere, to every part of the country, many comrades have even reached out to the ocean, performing duties in many countries around the world.

Colonel Dinh Tri Minh, representative of former students of CT2 Course, spoke.

With pride, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Thinh mentioned his comrades working in the Truong Sa archipelago, Ca Mau cape, outpost islands such as Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Bach Long Vi or the Central Highlands and remote areas, strategic geographical areas of the country. He concluded that up to now, the Course has had more than 40 comrades promoted to the rank of colonel; more than 30 comrades holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. Many comrades are holding important positions such as Deputy Political Director of the Military Region, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the press agency; Political Commissar at division and provincial levels; Deputy Director of military enterprises... Many comrades changed careers, became teachers, lawyers, businessmen, all of whom have had very important achievements in their careers. Retired comrades continue to participate in the economic construction front, also achieving many proud achievements in serving society. The success of each person has created a colorful common picture, bringing a great source of motivation to connect all students.

Representing the former students of CT2 course, Colonel Dinh Tri Minh, Head of the Personnel Department, Department of Personnel, General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army, expressed his emotion when after 30 years of entering the school, nearly 100 comrades of CT2 course still gathered from all over the country, showing solidarity and deep attachment. He expressed his deep gratitude for the training and dedicated guidance of the teachers, the battalion and company officers of the past, considering it the "fire" that fueled the generation of students to grow up, maintain and promote the tradition of the Political Officer School.

Representing the former management staff, Colonel Vu Cong Tang, former Battalion Commander of Battalion 4, expressed his emotions when returning to meet the students after 30 years. He recalled the early days when CT2 class entered the school under difficult physical conditions, but with determination, the staff and students overcame the challenges, creating a solid foundation for their future growth.

CT2 Course students at the meeting.

Colonel Vu Cong Tang expressed his pride that many of the battalion's students have now become senior officers, holding important positions in the army and society, and affirmed that 30 years, although not a long time, is enough to prove the mettle, intelligence and maturity of the CT2 class. He hopes that the former students, regardless of their positions, will continue to study, practice, and improve their qualities and abilities to meet the requirements of building a disciplined, elite and modern Vietnam People's Army.

When the afternoon shadows fell on the school yard, hugs and handshakes were inevitable. Before leaving, many people tried to stay together to take a photo to have more proof of the comradeship that never fades. Thirty years have passed, time can take away green hair, youthful strength, but it cannot erase the mark of Battalion 4 deep in each person's heart.

Article and photos: HOANG VIET

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/sach-ben-hoa-dan-ben-sung-848010