According to a report from the Lang Son Provincial Department of Home Affairs, in the first four months of 2026, the province fully paid preferential benefits to more than 13,239 war veterans and their relatives with a total budget of over 41 billion VND; and assessed and resolved nearly 1,000 applications for benefits and policies for war veterans, their relatives, and those who participated in the resistance war.
These days, war veteran Hoang Van Nam (born in 1956), a 2nd/4th degree war invalid in Van Linh commune, Lang Son province, still lives with persistent pain left behind by the war.
In 1976, Nam enlisted in the army and participated in battles at the hotspots of Chi Ma and Loc Binh in Lang Son during the fierce years on the border. In 1980, during a battle at Dong Dang, he was severely wounded, losing one leg, with the other fractured, and many shrapnel fragments still lodged in his body to this day. Discharged with a 61% disability rating, the former soldier faces many difficulties, especially during changes in weather.
However, what warms his heart is the attentive care from the local government and the Lang Son Provincial Centre for the Care of Meritorious Individuals. “The staff at the Centre are very attentive, from meals and sleep to health check-ups; severely wounded veterans like us feel their care very clearly,” Nam shared emotionally.
Nam is not alone; many war veterans, sick soldiers, and victims of Agent Orange in Lang Son province are receiving daily care through rehabilitation programs for those who have rendered meritorious service to the revolution.
Duong Cong Thich (born in 1954), residing in Hong Vi village, Vu Le commune, is one such veteran. In 1973, Thich participated in the Central Highlands campaign, and in 1979, he joined the Vietnamese Volunteer Army in a neighbouring country.
After being discharged from the army and returning to his hometown with injuries and the lingering effects of Agent Orange, coupled with old age and health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, his health has deteriorated significantly. However, each year, when participating in intensive rehabilitation programs, meeting old comrades, receiving healthcare, and engaging in cultural activities, Thich feels more uplifted.
Behind the peace of mind of these former soldiers lies the effort of the staff and employees of the Lang Son Provincial Centre for the Care of Meritorious Individuals, which for many years has been a pillar of support for the health and spiritual well-being of hundreds of meritorious individuals in the province.
Cao Son Thuy, Director of the Centre for the Care of Meritorious Individuals in Lang Son province, said that over the years, the centre has provided care to thousands of individuals. In 2026, the centre organised five intensive care sessions for 279 war veterans and relatives of martyrs in the province. The care programme is designed to suit the elderly, combining health care, rehabilitation, and improving the mental well-being of the beneficiaries.
According to Thuy, most war veterans are now elderly and have many underlying health conditions, so the centre pays special attention to medical care. Upon admission, all beneficiaries undergo screening, blood tests, and checks of blood pressure and cardiovascular health to detect any illnesses and develop appropriate care plans.
We not only care for their health but also their mental well-being. For those veterans living in remote areas or with severe disabilities, the centre’s staff always gives special attention to ensure they feel comfortable as if they were at home.
Cao Son Thuy, Director of the Lang Son Provincial Centre for the Care of Meritorious Individuals
“We not only care for their health but also their mental well-being. For those veterans living in remote areas or with severe disabilities, the centre’s staff always gives special attention to ensure they feel comfortable as if they were at home,” Thuy shared.
In addition to providing medication, vitamins, and supplements, the centre also organises many rehabilitation activities such as massage, electrotherapy, herbal steam baths, and physical therapy… to help reduce pain and improve mobility for veterans. The medical staff regularly monitors their health daily to promptly address any health issues.
Besides medical care, the Centre always prioritises activities that enhance the spiritual well-being of its members. Cultural exchanges, chess competitions, film screenings, and tours of historical sites within and outside the province always bring joy to the delegates.
This year, the Centre organised a trip for war veterans to visit the Do Son tourist area in Hai Phong city and many historical landmarks such as Bach Dang Giang, the K15 “No Number” pier…
For many veterans, these trips are not simply for relaxation but also an opportunity to relive their fighting memories and recall unforgettable years of their youth.
In Lang Son, activities such as visiting, giving gifts, taking war veterans to visit former battlefields, supporting house repairs, and renovating martyrs’ cemeteries have been regularly implemented. The “Gratitude and Repayment” movement continues to spread widely in the community.
Ensuring that 100% of families of war veterans and martyrs in the province have a living standard equal to or higher than the average living standard in their place of residence, the Department of Homel Affairs, in coordination with the Provincial Military Command, is implementing the “500-Day Campaign to Intensify the Search, Collection, and Identification of the Remains of Martyrs”, leading up to the 80th Anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2027).
Through these practical activities, the care for war veterans and martyrs in Lang Son province continues to deeply spread the national tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source”.
Not only are all benefits and policies ensured, but all levels and sectors in the province also provide comprehensive care for the material and spiritual well-being of war invalids, sick soldiers, and the relatives of martyrs. This care is a practical expression of gratitude to those who sacrificed and contributed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.
