Yet, for some veterans, that very pain has become a source of strength, inspiring them to overcome adversity and live a life of purpose. On Vietnam's Day for Agent Orange Victims on August 10, we bring you the story of an overseas Vietnamese war veteran who devoted his youth to his country and has spent the rest of his life on a mission to find his fallen comrades and bring them home.
These were to be among the final words of veteran Nguyễn Huy Thắng, written while he was being treated for Agent Orange-related illnesses at Charité Hospital in Germany.
He was exposed to the chemical while fighting in Central Vietnam.
After the war, Mr. Thắng and his family settled in Germany. As he built a new life and his own company, Hoa Binh, he faced another battle: two years in hospital and more than 12 years of dialysis.
Nguyen Huy Thang, Veteran, Overseas Vietnamese in Germany said: When I wrote those words, I thought I was going to die. When I raised my arm, the flesh sagged down. My cheeks and eyes were drooping. During my time in hospital, I dreamed about many battles and the comrades who had fallen. I felt that somehow, my comrades were helping me get through it.
Having walked the line between life and death, the veteran began a new journey. Thắng has returned to Vietnam more than 40 times to search for his former comrades. Some are still alive. Some are gone. And some are still waiting to come home.
Nguyen Huy Thang Veteran, Overseas Vietnamese in Germany added: "I have seen many comrades die in war, and in peacetime from Agent Orange. I understand the pain of their families, especially children who have never found their fathers. I know how deeply they long for them"
Beyond helping martyrs' families search former battlefields for their loved ones, Thắng and fellow veterans built a Vietnamese veterans' community in Germany. They regularly honor fallen soldiers and support families in need. When the 500-day search campaign began, many overseas Vietnamese with relatives who were martyrs turned to him, sharing important information.
Tran Thi Tuyet, Daughter of Martyr Tran Huy Suu said: My father served with the Special Forces Company, Regiment 12, 3rd Sao Vang Division. He fell at An Khe Pass, Cay Rui, Gia Lai.
Names. Places. Memories. All are precious clues that can help bring a fallen soldier home.
Throughout overcoming the pain of Agent Orange and building a life abroad, Mr. Thắng has never forgotten his fallen comrades.
His mission is to bring them all home.
