Upholding the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in the digital era

Viet Nam is entering a new phase of development, with ambitious goals for economic growth, innovation, digital transformation, and international integration. Achieving these aspirations requires a broad range of resources.

Alongside economic, scientific, technological, and human resources, there is another vital resource: social trust. Trust in the Party, the political system, and the country’s development path forms the foundation for national consensus and the collective strength of the entire nation.

The Viet Nam Veterans Association plays an important role in nurturing this resource. In addition to its distinguished traditions and large membership, the association’s strength and standing stem from the political credibility built through the dedication, sacrifice, discipline, and exemplary conduct of generations of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.”

For more than 36 years, the Viet Nam Veterans Association has remained a reliable pillar of support for the Party, the state, and the people. Wherever local chapters operate effectively, solidarity is strengthened, discipline is maintained, and public confidence in Party committees and local authorities is enhanced.

The credibility earned through years of service, practical experience, and exemplary conduct gives veterans a persuasive voice within their communities. Each member serves not only as an advocate but also as a guardian of public trust at the community level.

Social trust is also reinforced through concrete actions. Tens of thousands of veterans have developed successful businesses, built prosperity, and generated employment opportunities.

Thousands of homes have been built for fellow veterans in need. Many disadvantaged members have received support to improve their living conditions. The work of locating, recovering, and repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers, as well as efforts to complete the records of martyrs who have not yet fully identified, has been carried out with a deep sense of responsibility.

These contributions not only help safeguard social welfare and honour those who have served the nation but also continue to cultivate and spread the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” in peacetime.

For this reason, as the association enters the 2026-2031 term, it must both preserve its traditions and pursue renewal in order to fully harness this resource.

Renewal must begin with organisational reform and more effective operational methods. The association should become truly streamlined, efficient, effective, and robust; remain close to grassroots communities and members; and maintain firm ties with the people.

It must further enhance its role in Party and government building, social supervision and criticism, revolutionary tradition education, and the protection of members’ legitimate rights and interests. It must also work to improve members’ living conditions, support participation in economic development, and uphold exemplary conduct within local communities.

At the same time, renewal must be linked to digital transformation, as cyberspace has become a key arena for ideological work. Today, the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers” are demonstrated not only through exemplary behaviour in daily life but also through the courage to defend the truth, promote credible information. and strengthen social trust in the digital environment.

The 8th National Congress of the Viet Nam Veterans Association will not only chart the course for the new term but also provide fresh momentum for the association to continue affirming its value in a new context.

That value should not be measured solely by the number of campaigns launched or targets achieved but above all by the association’s capacity for renewal, adaptation, and development, and its ability to strengthen public trust, enhance social consensus, and contribute to safeguarding the country’s political foundations.

This is also how Uncle Ho’s soldiers will continue to serve and shine in the new era.