Veteran of the ancient citadel battle: 'The ferry rain reminds me of my comrades and old memories'

On the afternoon of August 22, in Dong Ha Ward, Quang Tri Provincial Youth Union coordinated with related units to organize the traditional activity program "Stories of the Fire and Flower Period" and introduce the film Red Rain to veterans and youth union members.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

Notably, at the meeting and movie screening of Red Rain, there was the participation of Mr. Nguyen The Dinh (72 years old, residing in Dong Ha Ward, Quang Tri), a veteran who participated in protecting Quang Tri Citadel more than 50 years ago.

"There will be no Red Rain in my homeland"

Mr. Nguyen The Dinh enlisted in April 1972, then worked at the Special Forces Company of Quang Tri Province. After Quang Tri was liberated, Mr. Dinh was sent to the armed forces for training until June 1972, when Mr. Dinh and his squad were assigned to take over the bunker of Battalion 5, Regiment 95.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

"The film Red Rain reminded me of the memories of the heroic but also painful days. 80% of our unit were soldiers from Quang Binh , Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, the rest were students in Hanoi. We were farmers so we were familiar with plowing and hoeing, but our comrades out there were still bewildered when they came here. The way the image of soldiers from many localities was built in the film Red Rain was very realistic," said Mr. Dinh.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

Joining Battalion 5, Mr. Dinh and his teammates once repelled an enemy marine squad. He still remembers the moment of victory clearly, but behind it are also the painful memories of those who stayed behind, those who witnessed their teammates fall, leaving their twenties in the fiery land of Quang Tri.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

"I witnessed my comrades' heroic sacrifices and the fierce sweeps of the enemy, so after watching the film, I hope that from now on our country will forever be peaceful , independent, and prosperous. The images of that time will not be repeated and there will be no more Red Rain in our homeland," Mr. Dinh shared.

PHOTO: BA CUONG

The traditional activity program "The Story of the Fire and Flowers" and the movie Red Rain were held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). Through the movie Red Rain and its touching stories, the veterans helped the younger generation understand more about the long and arduous resistance war and the silent sacrifices; at the same time, affirming the responsibility of today's young generation in studying, training, and contributing to be worthy of being a reliable and effective reserve force of the Party and the noble sacrifices of previous generations.