Aired on the evening of December 21, Father and Son Soldiers paints a vivid picture of Vietnam’s military history from 1944 to 2024. Throughout the struggles of liberation wars, the Vietnamese military and people stood united on every battlefield, their solidarity forging an unyielding strength to secure independence and freedom for the nation.
The documentary delves into the spirit of patriotism, the tradition of the army, and the indomitable qualities of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers—a legacy passed down through generations. This spirit not only fortified the military during the war but also laid the foundation for younger generations of military families to continue their service. While older generations fought in the wars against French colonialism, American aggression, and other threats, today’s descendants exemplify a modern, elite, and highly capable force, ready to defend the homeland against new challenges.
Family: The Cradle of Patriotism
A highlight of the documentary is its focus on families with deep-rooted military traditions. These stories are symbolic of the broader Vietnamese family, whose collective heritage is steeped in heroism. At the same time, the film conveys the mindset of the younger generation in today's national defense.
Notable families include that of Colonel Pham Huu Giap’s, with three generations of military service. Another is the family of Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Hien, a fighter pilot who inspired his twin sons to follow in his footsteps and pursue fighter pilots careers themselves. Throughout his service and into retirement, Colonel Hien has been both a father and a mentor to his sons, fostering their growth as skilled aviators.
The family of Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Rieng and Captain Nguyen Thi Hoang is another shining example, with several members—parents, children, and grandchildren—serving in the military. At home, they are spouses and parents; within their units, they are comrades-in-arms. Their mutual understanding and support have helped them overcome challenges and uphold the values of the military lifestyle.
Each generation of military personnel, especially those who embody the spirit of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers, shares a profound love for the homeland and a desire to contribute their strength and intellect to the nation’s cause. Like grains of sand forming vast deserts or silt forming fertile rivers, their patriotism flows from one generation to the next, sustaining a timeless tradition of national pride.
“The army has given my family everything we have today. If I had to choose again, I would still choose the military as our home”, said Lieutenant Colonel Le Van Rieng, Commander of the Ben Luc District Military Command, Long An Province.
Though the war is long over, many organizations and individuals work tirelessly to preserve and spread the love of the nation and the proud traditions of the Vietnamese military. “The 22/12/1944 Tradition Keepers” is one such organization, dedicated to honoring, preserving, and promoting the revolutionary heritage of the nation. Founded in 2021, its core members are descendants of soldiers who gave their all for the nation’s independence and freedom. They carry the pride of their family traditions and the military legacy left by their forebears, treating it as a treasured and invaluable inheritance.
