The bond between soldiers and civilians in Kho Hong village.

Every spring, people of ethnic minorities in border regions eagerly participate in the "Border Guard Spring, Warming the Hearts of the People" program – where soldiers in green uniforms, along with coordinating units, bring an early, warm, and meaningful Tet atmosphere. Many practical activities are organized, demonstrating the efforts of the forces to care for the lives of people in border areas, so that Tet and spring arrive in a warmer and more joyful atmosphere.

In Kho Hong village, Chieng Son border commune, the atmosphere on this pre-Tet morning was filled with joy. Carefully prepared Tet gifts were handed out to disadvantaged households, families receiving government assistance, and residents of the border area. According to the program, more than 700 practical Tet gifts were distributed, conveying the affection of officers and soldiers of the Long Sap Border Gate Border Guard Station and benefactors to the local people.

Sharing about the significance of the activity, Lieutenant Colonel Dinh Van Quang, Commander of Chieng Son Border Guard Station, Son La province, said that the "Spring Border Guard, Warming the Hearts of the People" program has been organized by the border guard force in border communes for the past 11 years, with the desire to care for the people, especially families in difficult circumstances, every Tet holiday, so that they can celebrate Tet more warmly and fully. Through this, the program contributes to strengthening the bond between the military and the people, the coordination between the border guard force and the local Party committee and government; and at the same time, awakens the sense of responsibility of the people in working together with the border guard to protect territorial sovereignty and maintain security and order in the border area.

In these activities, the message "no one is left behind" is demonstrated through concrete care, from gifts and words of encouragement to the presence of border guards and coordinating units at the time of year when people need support the most.

Medical check-ups, making banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) - adding to a fulfilling Tet holiday.

In addition to giving Tet gifts, the "Spring at the Border - Warming the Hearts of the Local People" program in 2026 also includes community health care activities. Local people receive free medical examinations, treatment, and medication; these activities are carried out by doctors from the Central Lung Institute in coordination with military doctors to screen for illnesses, provide medical advice, and help people feel secure about their health so they can enjoy a joyful Tet holiday.

In Kho Hong village, Mr. Phang A Tu, a resident of Kho Hong village, Chieng Son commune, Son La province, expressed: "The delegation came here to show concern for the people; both children and the elderly received medicine. The people are very happy that their health is ensured, and we thank the delegation, the Party, and the State."

The spring atmosphere therefore comes not only from gifts, but also from concrete concern for the lives of each family and each citizen - especially the elderly and children in border areas.

Another highlight of the program was the activity of making banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), with the participation of youth union members, women's association members, and border guards. At the Kho Hong village school, many people pitched in, each doing their part: washing leaves, wrapping cakes, and arranging them. In the morning, more than 400 banh chung were made to be donated to the people in the border region and underprivileged students.

Sharing about this activity, Ms. Tran Thi Duc, Secretary of the Youth Union of Chieng Son commune, Son La province, said: "Today, the Women's Union and the Youth Union of the commune, in coordination with officers and soldiers of the Border Guard Post, came to Kho Hong village school to wrap banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and prepare gifts for the villagers and students. Although it's a small gift, with a big heart, we hope to contribute a little to encourage the people every time Tet (Lunar New Year) comes."

As spring arrives in Northwest Vietnam, peach blossoms bloom in vibrant pink across the highland border villages. The joy of the people is amplified by meaningful Tet celebrations. Dances and songs about the bond between the military and the people, about the close relationship between border guards and the community with ethnic minorities in the border region, continue to spread, becoming a source of spiritual support for the people to work and produce with peace of mind, joining forces with the authorities to maintain security and order, and protect territorial sovereignty.