Top 25 Beautiful Poems to Celebrate the Vietnam People's Army Day - December 22nd

The Soldier's Spirit
Poet: Ngô Hạnh

No hardship compares to crossing the Trường Sơn range
Lacking rice and vegetables, enduring malaria and rain
Yet the soldiers march forward with unwavering courage
The path to battle is one and the same.
It is the road to liberate the South.
What could be more precious than the youthful years
For independence, we give everything.
Even personal moments fade away
As everything joins in the rhythm of military steps.
All of us together made the great victory of Spring.

After peace, life is calm and quiet
Soldiers still share as they did in battle
The canteen's small provisions don't matter
We even share our homes, taking turns.
Our principle: as precious as life itself
We dare to give, and give again without regret!
Even the hardest tasks, we lead with enthusiasm
Crossing Trường Sơn – that’s a small feat.
Life’s temptations abound in ordinary days
The soldier's spirit, though, is hard to break.
Though life may be poor, we never count the cost
Live with integrity, and everything falls into place.
Though unsaid, the world can see the truth.
People may forget, but heaven remembers.
Lose something, gain something far greater.
Happiness, sorrow, joy, and pain – this is life's law
Even when life has ups and downs, twists and turns
We proudly carry the soldier’s spirit within us.

2012

Remembering the Soldiers Who Sacrificed for the Nation
Poet: Vũ Thuỷ

Remembering the young men on the battlefield
Unmarked graves, filled with sorrow and loss
An elderly man leaning on his cane, longing for grandchildren
Younger soldiers holding letters, missing home
Hoping to return, to reunite with parents
Life began with sacrifice, and wives and children wait
For the day of national unity, through so many separations
Who awaits with tears, soaking the cold bed at night.

Vũ Thuỷ

The Soldier's Anthem!
Poet: Lan Tran
(Lan Tran combines titles from 24 songs)

Rearranging the memories of the Green Notebook
The deep emotions of the day you departed
Your little sister at home, waiting
For the soldier’s return to a victorious battlefield

Since the day I folded my scholar’s shirt
The heavy backpack of a soldier upon my shoulders
How many soldiers' lovers are left behind
Distance may make love fade, but not easily

Even on the coldest peaks of winter
Amid falling snow, my heart remains warm
Silent tears may sometimes fall
The soldier’s love letter, full of yearning

Alone, I stand on a misty post
Remembering the purple flowers of school days
Stirring my heart, filling me with emotion
The silent sorrow of the phoenix flowers, a vow unspoken

Keep my love for the homeland safe, my dear
I await the day of your return, when the battle ends
The low forest and cold winter
Can never hide the heartache of the one who stays

I remember the moment we parted
Under the moonlight, at the threshold of goodbye, who is sad
The road to the mountains, the birds take flight
The soldier’s love letter, a sorrow drifting by

The faded color of the soldier’s uniform
I wait for your return, to share our destined love
The flower boat sails in the moonlight
Carrying the love of two hearts, bound for eternity

Below are the song titles and their composers:
1. Soldier’s Anthem - Nguyễn Khoa Điềm
2. Green Notebook - Thanh Sơn
3. Sorrows - Tuấn Khanh
4. Little Sister - Vũ Quốc Việt
5. I Long for the Soldier - Thúc Đăng
6. Folding the Scholar’s Shirt - Trần Thiện Thanh
7. Soldier’s Love - Trần Thiện Thanh
8. Distance - Sỹ Đan
9. On the Peak of Winter - Trần Thiện Thanh
10. Cold Snow - Lê Dinh & Phương Trà
11. Silent - Thế Hiển
12. Soldier’s Love Letter - Trần Thiện Thanh
13. Night Watch at the Misty Post - Mạnh Phát
14. Remembering the Purple Flowers - Văn Thắng
15. The Sorrow of the Phoenix Flowers - Thanh Sơn
16. Keep My Love for the Homeland Safe - Duy Khánh
17. Four Battle Zones - Trúc Phương
18. Low Forest - Trần Thiện Thanh
19. Heart’s Longing - Nguyễn Văn Khánh
20. Moonlit Threshold - Quốc Bảo
21. Farewell - Khánh Băng
22. The Road to the Mountain - Lê Bình
23. Faded Soldier’s Uniform - Vinh Sử
24. Flower Boat - Phạm Thế Mỹ

The Heartfelt Thoughts of a Young Soldier

Poet: Nghi Lâm

The day I enlisted, I said goodbye to my young love
Stepping forward to answer the call of my homeland
Following the battle hymn that burned deep in my soul
Determined to fight until victory was ours

The university campus fell silent, waiting for me
Hoping I'd return to finish the courses left behind
In the empty classrooms, no voices filled the air
Only a longing for the one who had gone

The pure love we shared once seemed like an obstacle
But I was gone, deep into the mountains of Trường Sơn
Through the harsh lands of Laos, along the Route 9, where the scars of war remain
Yet the rhythm of the soldier’s march echoed in my heart

So many victories, but I never spoke of them
Only my comrades knew, from the same trenches we fought
Some gave their lives, and those of us who remained felt the pain
Yet we bravely threw ourselves into the battle for freedom

Peace came, and the fighting ended
Soldiers of Trường Sơn put on their student uniforms again
Forgetting the years that passed in the far reaches of the country
All for the liberation of the nation, bringing joy and unity

Now, some of my comrades are gone, some still here
The nation remembers their sacrifices of blood and bone
And my love still waits, loyal and full of longing
To welcome the ones who return, safe and sound

And then, together, we shall forever be in love
With a promise that can never be broken: NEVER AGAIN WILL WE BE APART!

The General of the People's Heart

Poet: Hồng Ngoãn

From Quảng Bình, the land of my ancestors
The President grew up, youthful and full of strength
When the country was in turmoil
Unfazed by hunger or hardship, never fearing danger

The victory at Điện Biên Phủ will forever be remembered
The French and their allies were forced to surrender
From Mường Thanh, Hồng Cúm, to Him Lam
These victories became legendary, stunning the world

This man carried boundless passion
His sacrifices greater than anyone’s
His intellect as vast as the ocean
He fought to drive the French and Americans from our land...

How could we forget the day he passed
The whole country mourned, the pain was unbearable
After enduring countless hardships
He returned to his homeland, to Vũng Chùa, to rest

Hồng Ngoãn 20/12/2018

Sending to You, the Girl at the Rear
Poet: Ánh Tuyết

Sending to you, the girl at home
My love from a soldier far from home
The fond memories from just yesterday
Now we must part again, this very day
Remember the moment we said goodbye
Tears wetting my lips, a heart full of sighs
The sharp pain in my heart, a chill so cold
As I hold you close, whispering my farewell
Through the rugged borderlands, enduring sun and rain
How can I express how much I miss you, my dear?
Sending you this poem, hastily written
On the march, as I travel far away.

The Beauty of the Vietnam People's Army
Poem: Định Thị Hiển

My whole life, I've never loved anyone
Except for you, the soldier who fought against the West
The song we sang then, still echoes here
Resonating by the riverbank, where the fields were plowed
If victory had not been won
And the mission unfinished, don’t think about marrying me
Wait for me, my love… I’m no coward
After the victory, I’ll come to know you better
Lullaby… as I swing gently
Sleep well, for the enemy still lurks, and your father can’t come home yet
The songs, the lullabies, that intoxicate the heart
Creating the strength to defeat invaders
The army fought with even more zeal
The enemy’s helicopters crashing to the ground
The words of Uncle Ho echoing still
The army does its duty, never slacking
The heroic Vietnamese army
Forever shining in the hearts of the people.

Ho Chi Minh City, December 19, 2018
Poet: Định Thị Hiển

Soldier's Letter
Poem: Trương Túy Anh

In the night of Tay Nguyen, the wind hums
The rustling leaves fall
I quickly pen these verses
To send to you while I change the guard

I remember the harvest season back home
The golden rice, heavy with its grains
We sat by the riverbank
Whispering in the scent of rice

Then I left to serve my duty
Fulfilling my role as a citizen
One day we’ll reunite
And happiness will flood our hearts

There are nights when I lie awake
Staring at the thousand shining stars
Hearing the rooster crowing at each hour
Feeling a deep, restless longing

I miss your dark, mysterious eyes
Teardrops resting on your lashes
That final farewell, reluctant and sweet
In our last tight embrace

But my love, don’t be sad
I’m with my comrades
Like brothers, from far and near
United in love and solidarity

Darling, don’t forget
The cold winds may chill your shoulders
Remember to wear your coat tight
And wait for my return

P.S. Written for all young soldiers serving in the military

He Comes to Visit

Poem: Phạm Quang Thu

He’s a soldier, unaware of the child growing inside
He loves me, with a mix of a tear and a smile
So gentle, his bulky backpack sways
Unexpectedly, his shoes and socks keep falling off

My wife worries, hands fumbling in confusion
Her worn-out backpack, with buttons undone
He visits, while I carry our child
My heart aches, as I can only kneel in waiting

The stance of a soldier, the solemn oath
He kisses me, with a heavy belly full of pride
Never before have I seen such pure love from a soldier
So simple, yet so deep, beyond words

19.12.2018 HN PQT

The Eternal Love Song of Trường Sơn
Poem: Hoàng Như Phượng

Sing for me the song of the homeland,
By the tree and the hammock, under the vast sky.
Trường Sơn is beautiful today, blooming with flowers,
Chirping birds fill the air with vitality.

Each blade of grass, every branch in the mighty wind,
Holds dreams of reaching higher.
Carrying within, countless scars that remain nameless,
But they forever keep the green color that makes history.

The soldiers, steadfast and selfless, protect
The land of our ancestors with courage and resolve.
Undeterred by obstacles or the bombs that fall,
Side by side, they guard the lifeblood of the nation.

Journeys made, now etched in the history books,
The soldiers marched, relentless and unyielding.
They are still here, before the majestic mountains and forests,
With hearts that beat along the immortal road.

Sing for me amid the fiery bombs,
A love song that unites the land.
Trường Sơn's forest echoes the victorious melody,
Celebrating the reunification of the nation.

HNP - 17/12/2018

The Love Story of a Combat Engineer
(C2, D25 Combat Engineers, 3rd Military Region – Now 513th Brigade)
Poem: Duy Hạnh Trần

Who dares ask the rosy-cheeked girl,
"Do you want to marry a combat engineer?"
I asked… She remained silent,
So we thought we were angry with each other!

We’ve known each other for a long time,
Always sharing words of affection.
The winding paths of Ba Chồm* and Bòng Bong**
Lead to the stony roads looping around high mountains.

The field excursions to Ba Sao,
Meeting you in the small village, do you remember?
The lush, vast mulberry fields,
Engulfed in longing but never finding you.

Somewhere, the sound of laughter echoes,
It follows… follows the life of a soldier.
The bond of love tightly connected,
Our trust in each other brought us together.

The time of military service, unforgettable,
Combat engineers writing about distant villages.
Now, grown old, we reminisce
Telling the old love story to others.
#Notes:
*Ba Chồm Pass is located in Ba Sao Commune, Kim Bảng District, Hà Nam Province.
**Bòng Bong Pass is where the two districts of Kim Bảng (Hà Nam) and Lạc Thủy (Hòa Bình) meet.
(1974 - 2018)

FAREWELL
Trịnh Thanh Hằng

My beloved mother, I leave for the army,
Slowly fading from view, your shadow grows dim.
At the moment of parting, I wish to say so much,
But my words are choked, buried deep in my heart.

The evening grows dark, my mother’s frail figure stumbles,
Her life of selfless care, enduring both sun and rain.
How can one count the tears of hardship,
All the toil to raise me to maturity?

Mother says the enemy is fierce,
But the homeland needs me, so I must go.
Do not worry about the farm work,
Mother will shoulder the burden day and night.

As I look back at her fading figure,
My heart aches. She’s growing old, her lamp flickers in the wind.
I’ve grown up but never helped her much,
My heavy heart slows my steps.

I remember her words as I march ahead,
My bag on my back, stepping toward the battlefield.
I can still hear her loving advice:
"Forget about me, your duty to the country comes first."

In the midst of bombs and the nearness of death,
The memory of my mother’s love fills my heart.
Our homeland’s survival depends on her strength,
And her sacrifices, quietly supporting me from behind.

Mother, we will always carry your love,
Your image, bent with age, bearing the weight of the nation.
Our military’s victories resound, thanks to you,
You, the silent hero, in the background.

And when the skies are clear and the seas calm,
I will return, when peace has come to our homeland.
Mother and I will be reunited, together again,
Back at your side, I will come home to you.

Poem by Trịnh Thanh Hằng

THE DAY WE REUNITE, I OFFER TO YOU
By: Hồng Soi

How many seasons have passed as I gathered the stars at night,
Sent them on the winds to a distant isle.
The twinkling stars merge with the breeze,
Have they reached the military camp yet, my love?

When you left, I stood alone, fragile and faint,
So many promises, but they must be left behind.
The first kiss we shared, I will always remember,
The touch of your shoulder, my comfort through the night.

Our homeland has changed, life now a new color,
The countryside no longer poor as it once was.
This is what the village has always dreamed of,
This joy brings tears I can no longer hold back.

Waiting for you, the longing shapes my days,
In the place where the river starts, I feel the passion rise.
As the seasons shift, I lie awake, restless,
Thinking of you, standing watch day and night.

Even in danger, don’t let doubt creep in,
For only through hardships can we reap the fruits.
Face the enemy, never falter,
And uphold the promise we made all those years ago...

Once the duty is done,
On the day we reunite, I offer myself to you!

18.12.2018

BORDER NIGHT
Poem: Phan Thu Hà

You sit and sing among the young soldiers,
Your eyes glisten with tears, reflecting the flickering light.
In the borderlands, dry fields and scorched grass,
A crescent moon falls, marking the twilight.

Your song rises into the dark night,
Echoing with the burning passion of love.
Oh, how your voice is filled with yearning,
Is it yourself you sing to, my dear?

Who are you singing for, or is it for me?
Singing of those who once marched through the battles,
Still waiting for a love to come,
The deep longing of a soul seeking peace.

Your voice stretches far, across the land and sky,
Making me ponder those who fell in battle.
My fallen comrades, sacrificed for this peace,
So that today, our motherland blooms in harmony.

I join you in song, singing a folk tune,
The melody takes us back to youthful dreams.
Though the fields here are still dry and burned,
I offer you a reed, instead of roses.

Come, sit close by, beside the flickering fire,
Surrounded by young soldiers,
Stay with me tonight, won’t you?
As the mist rises, your song echoes in the distance.

THE GREEN OF SOLDIER'S UNIFORM
Poem: Phan Hoàng

Across every corner of our homeland,
We meet the green of soldiers’ uniforms.
The mighty Vietnam Army, standing strong,
The color of the sea, the sky, and the vast land.

The army, rising from village fields,
Grew strong like the hero Phù Đổng.
From holding sticks as makeshift rifles,
They matured into the warriors of Điện Biên.

The army rose from oppression,
Waving the flag of Liberation high,
Marching boldly in the Great Offensive,
To unify the country, from the mountains to the sea.

Oh, the green of soldier's uniform,
Shining with the flag of our nation,
Tasked with guarding our sacred land,
So the green may forever endure in our world!

PH

NIGHT MARCH
Poem: An Giang Bùi

The march leads through a forest path,
The unit halts, ready to move on at dawn.
As night deepens, the moon remains awake,
The whispering wind caresses the trees gently.

My comrades rest in peaceful slumber,
While I hold a pen in my hand.
The forest leaves suddenly rustle,
Whispering softly as they call to one another.
The night grows deeper,
My heart flutters in anticipation.
A faint star glimmers,
Peering through the leaves, watching me.

The Morning Star flickers at the hilltop,
Lost in thought, my heart filled with longing for someone.

GIFT FROM THE SEA
Nguyễn Mỹ Hạnh

Do you know, my love, I eagerly await the gifts of the Sea?
The sun's weary rays, the afternoon storms' salty breeze,
The scent of sweat from weathered shoulders,
That stirs my heart with longing for the faraway Ocean...

The Sea's gifts are the peace I find when you're by my side, no matter where we go.
The waves that kiss the boat's side, whispering my deep love for you.
The sunset serenade that falls softly onto the deck,
And the thousands of stars above, telling stories of love...

The Sea's gift at dawn is your message as the sun rises,
You steer the ship through the waves with strength and skill.
The calm afternoon sea,
Echoes the tune of the distant shore, sending a melody from my homeland.

The gift from the vast Ocean is the familiar rhythm,
"Goodnight, my love, I'll love you forever!"
A faraway kiss, salty yet full of longing,
And the promise of a return, with our love as unbroken as the sea.

Oh, distant waves,
Great Ocean,
And the thousand storms that roll, fierce and proud,
I send my love through the vast seas,
On this shore, my love for you is as steady as the rocks,
Waiting for your ship to anchor here, for all eternity.

TWO ENDS OF LONGING
Poem by: Ngo Huong

We are at opposite ends of longing!
As days pass, why does it seem so hard to find one another?
I miss you, the soldier on the frontlines,
In distant islands, separated by vast distances.

The waves crash, bringing with them memories of you,
At home, I continue to wait for you.
The long shore embraces the vast sea,
Just as my love for you will never fade.

I will always be the shore,
Holding your love and gently bringing it back to me.
Through the hardships, day and night,
I trust in the rifle that guards our land and sky.

Back home, I recite your poems by heart,
Keeping our love strong and unwavering.
We will meet again, our love forever blooming,
As we walk together down the path to happiness.

Each verse carries my well wishes,
Always take care, my love!

Poem by Ngo Huong

THE SACRIFICE OF COMRADES

Poem by: Nguyễn Đình Cường

Dedicated to General Nguyễn Quốc Thước

In the cemetery, an old general can be seen,
In his pristine uniform, with stars on his hat.
He moves slowly among the solemn ranks,
Holding incense in his hand, its smoke fading away.

Just as in the past, he was ever so kind,
Advising soldiers before each campaign:
That all must return, no matter the enemy,
Even as bombs fall and shells explode!

Now, in peace, he finds no rest.
Countless restless nights, haunted by memories,
As the morning light breaks, many lives have been extinguished,
But the eternal values continue to rise.

His resolve was as strong as a tank's front,
Crushing the enemies who ravaged our land,
And stopping the raging tides of the sea,
So that the homeland could remain peaceful.

After honoring his fallen comrades, he stands silent,
As if making a vow to their spirits:
“Rest easy, my comrades,
Our nation endures – the next generation will carry on!”

- - - - -
P/s: General Nguyễn Quốc Thước, former commander of Military Region 4, visits the Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery.

December 17, 2018

MAKESHIFT BRIDGE
By: Hồ Viết Bình

The floodwaters rise, sweeping the planks away,
Leaving only the cables behind.
The soldiers step forward, building a temporary bridge,
Using the cables as planks – it was truly remarkable.

While waiting for more planks to arrive,
A bridge spanned the stream, no need to swim.
The village children didn’t miss a day of school,
Such devotion, tears filled my eyes.

Honoring 74 years of tradition,
Wherever the country faces hardship,
The soldiers are always there,
Even at the cost of their youth.

MOM! I'M BACK.
Poem by: NGA LÊ.

Mom saw me off one autumn morning,
My bag packed with memories long gone.
In my hasty soldier’s uniform,
The green cap of dreams upon my head.

I hugged Mom tight... My dear Mom,
Our country is in danger, the enemy is here.
I must leave now, there's no time to wait.
When it's over, I'll return to you, Mom.

And so, I left that day,
Many sleepless nights waiting for my return.
The dim light stayed on through the night,
Listening for Mom calling, waiting for me by the door.

Time passed, my hair turned grey,
On distant battlefields among the forests.
Mom knew I, with my comrades,
Lay on the damp ground, enduring hardships.

Lan, our neighbor, still came by to visit,
Helping Mom with the chores every day.
Mom always spoke kindly of her,
Her eyes were full of longing, thinking of someone far away.

Mom knew Lan was quiet, not saying much,
But every night, she prayed silently,
For my safety far away,
For the one she had waited for all these years.

Then the guns fell silent, and I came back,
To Mom, with joy and cheer.
A smile of fulfillment on my weary face,
Here I am, Lan... it’s really me.

Lan gently lowered her head, hurried over,
Her tears silently flowed down her face.
The wet lashes dripped with joy,
Her cheeks blushing, and I felt a stir inside.

MILITARY-CIVILIAN BOND

By: Hoa Lư

We are border soldiers,
Facing enemy threats, united in spirit.
We guard every inch of land,
Ready to cross mountains and islands to protect our homeland.

Military and civilians under one roof,
Our bond of unity shines bright.
Through happiness and sorrow, we sing together,
"Vietnam, our country, forever in our hearts."

When we leave, the people miss us,
Like the vast fields of corn and rice waiting patiently.
Old folks look out, children dream,
"Tomorrow, the soldiers will pass by."

We help the elderly repair their homes,
Assist the women in planting crops, cultivating the land.
We teach the younger generation,
Bringing joy through education and art in the remote villages.

We help reduce poverty,
Spreading knowledge of the law to those who will listen.
We share love and compassion,
And cherish our country with lifelong devotion.

We fear not the steep mountains,
Nor the cold rain or thorns that block our way.
Our soldier's vow remains unbroken,
"For the People, For the Nation, we will always remember."

December 17, 2018
By: Hoa Lư

WHY HAVEN'T YOU RETURNED, BROTHER?

By: Phạm Hùng

After the war ended, why haven’t you come home yet?
Mother waits sadly by the thatched roof house,
Her tears flow endlessly,
And the pain keeps her from peaceful sleep.

Father fell in the ancient citadel of Quảng Trị,
Despite the grief, he worked hard in the fields,
Collecting rice to feed the troops fighting the Americans.
Many nights, mother’s hands were soaked in tears.

You grew up during the time of the Đặng family,
Sending off white scarves across the southern lands.
Mother wept quietly in the late, silent hours
When she received the news of your untimely departure.

Armed with a rifle, though you never sought violence,
The engineer put down his plow to march into battle.
With the blood of Vietnam flowing in your veins,
You couldn’t stand by while the homeland suffered!

Now that the war is over, why haven’t you returned?
Where are you, lost among the wild mountains?
Have you not felt the years of longing,
Mother, now with gray hair and a bent back, waiting?

Mother waits for you to return, yet you wander far.
You never came back to visit the old home.
The battlefields are silent, blood no longer stains the ground,
Why haven’t you returned, enduring sun and rain?

Many comrades continue to search, day and night,
Where are you, why don’t you come back?
Mother’s tears have never stopped flowing,
Ever since the day you eagerly left.

PH. 14.07.2017
By: Đặng Tiểu Bình

THE LOVE POEM OF AN ISLAND SOLDIER
By: Phạm Hồng Giang

He writes another love poem of an island soldier,
The ocean's waves, naive, support the hull.
What does a soldier have, my love, except for
One thing – a heart filled with red blood.

Life on an island is full of hardship and struggle,
The dust of the battlefield dyes the winds of the sea.
Letters from home are bitter on his lips,
And longing floats with each wave that crashes ashore.

Cold nights, scorching days,
Even a small wild vegetable soaks up the sweat.
During his patrols, under the moon, on the hill,
His rifle becomes his only companion.

Life as a soldier, my dear, don't overthink it,
The nation needs its soldiers on the front lines.
Behind him, there are messages from home,
Steady hands on the gun, walking the soldier’s journey.

The poem remains unfinished; tomorrow, I’ll continue,
The seagulls soar...
“Be on guard”...
Spring has come!

21/12/2017 Hồng Giang.

SOLDIERS OF UNCLE HO!
Poem by: Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà

The mountains and forests stand empty,
Only the border guards, their laughter and the clouds as companions.
In the vast ocean and under the sky,
The Navy soldiers enjoy the refreshing breeze.

The salty seawater, always changing,
Making the longing for fresh water from home even stronger.
The sea, the sky, and our islands,
Sacred boundaries, vast and endless.

Strong men, free to explore the vast oceans,
Following the heroic tradition of our ancestors.
We stand firm, guarding our homeland,
With pride in our thousand-year legacy of resilience.

21/12/2012. MaiLan