HCM CITY — Sixty war invalids and 50 relatives of wounded and sick soldiers were honoured at a conference held by the HCM City’s Việt Nam Fatherland Front Committee in the city on Tuesday.

The head of the city’s Việt Nam Fatherland Front Committee, Tô Thị Bích Châu, said the people honoured at the conference had made great efforts in overcoming difficult circumstances.

She recalled the late President Hồ Chí Minh’s saying: “Thương binh tàn nhưng không phế” (Wounded soldiers are disabled but they are not discarded; they are still useful).

On the occasion of the annual 70th Day for War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27), the city honoured 60 war invalids who made sacrifices for national freedom and are now running businesses and making positive contributions to the development of the country.

Nguyễn Phan Tâm, 67, a wounded soldier in Củ Chi District, said he had invested in breeding pigs and had attended a training course in breeding. He now owns a farm with more than 1,000 pigs and 200 sows.

He also regularly participates in charitable works and helps disadvantaged residents in the locality.

The city also honoured 50 relatives of wounded and sick soldiers who had cared for the soldiers and family members with love and responsibility.

Lê Minh Dương, 77, who lives in District 9, takes care of his invalid wife, Nguyễn Thị Ánh, helping her eat her meals and taking care of her personal hygiene.

And Lê Hồng Ngọc, who lives in Phú Nhuận District, cares for her husband Nguyễn Hải Quý who has serious wounds that become more painful during cold weather.

Châu said the city authorities in collaboration with agencies had implemented many activities and special policies to care for war invalids and martyrs’ families, and support policy beneficiaries.

Since last year, the city has presented more than 3,500 gratitude houses to policy beneficiary families, renovated about 1,290 gratitude houses, and supported policy beneficiaries facing difficulties, she said.

Nguyễn Thị Quyết Tâm, chairwoman of the city’s People’s Council, said the city’s Party, State and relevant agencies should improve policies and take measures to pay tribute to those who have contributed to the nation’s independence.

To offer effective support, the city should follow the situation of heroic mothers, seriously wounded soldiers, and policy beneficiary families facing difficulties, she said.

To set an example for younger generations, city authorities should also continue discovering more good examples of people who should be honoured for their contributions. — VNS