In the cool air of late October, as the pine forests atop Lung Cu Mountain began to be veiled in mist, a delegation from the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank), led by Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, embarked on a special journey titled “Early spring warmth for the borderlands.” The delegation visited the Lung Cu Border Guard Station in Lung Cu Commune, located in the sacred northernmost point of the nation.
This journey was not only a return to the roots but also a heartfelt mission of gratitude, affection, and sharing with the border guard soldiers who devote day and night to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
Joining the delegation were Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh – Deputy Party Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Director; members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Management; representatives of the Supervisory Board; leaders from departments at the Head Office; and Directors of several Co-opBank branches.
Bring Early Spring to the Border Guards
At the Lung Cu Border Guard Station, the leadership of Co-opBank presented gifts worth nearly VND 200 million to officers and soldiers who are tirelessly guarding the nation’s frontiers. Representing Co-opBank, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh – General Director, respectfully presented five large national flags, each measuring 54 square meters, symbolizing the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam standing united in building and protecting the beautiful homeland.
In addition, the Co-opBank delegation donated funds to the Lung Cu Border Guard Station to support search and rescue operations, assist local people affected by floods and landslides, and help recover from the consequences of Typhoons No. 10 and No. 11.
With the desire to improve living conditions for officers and soldiers at the frontline, Co-opBank also donated four new washing machines to the Border Guard Station and its subordinate posts and checkpoints. Though simple, these practical gifts represent the heartfelt gratitude of Co-opBank to those who silently and steadfastly safeguard the peace of the nation, a wish for good health and a symbol of enduring companionship.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors and Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh – General Director of Co-opBank presented five large national flags, each measuring 54 square meters to the Lung Cu Border Guard Station
Co-opBank presented practical and meaningful gifts to the Lung Cu Border Guard Station
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, emotionally shared at the gift presentation ceremony: “Coming to Lung Cu — the sacred northernmost point of the nation, we deeply feel the profound meaning of the word ‘border.’ In this cold frontier, border guard soldiers remain steadfastly close to the villages and the people, silently protecting every milestone, every home, and every peaceful smile. The Lung Cu Border Guard Station has been tirelessly carrying out its sacred duty of managing and firmly protecting nearly 31 kilometers of borderline, safeguarding national sovereignty and border security, while closely coordinating with local Party committees and authorities to implement effective socio-economic development programs that help improve people’s livelihoods. These quiet contributions are truly worthy of our respect and pride.”
“Over the past 30 years of establishment and development, Co-opBank has continuously innovated and enhanced its operational efficiency, fulfilling its role as the central bank for nearly 1,200 People’s Credit Funds, meeting the capital needs for production and business in rural, remote, and mountainous areas, and contributing to improving the quality of life for nearly two million members. Today, Co-opBank with Head Office in Hanoi, 32 branches, and 66 transaction offices are operating across provinces and cities nationwide. Although the gifts we bring today may be modest, they carry the heartfelt gratitude of all Co-opBank officers and staff, as a sincere token of appreciation to the comrades who stand guard at the border, preserving peace for our country,” Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong emphasized.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank delivered a speech and gift presentation to the Lung Cu Border Guard Station.
Nurture the future at the Nation’s northernmost frontier
One of the most meaningful activities at the Lung Cu Border Guard Station is the “Supporting student to school” and “Border Guard’s adopted children” programs. The station is directly caring for five adopted children and providing assistance to 24 disadvantaged students. The soldiers here not only guard the nation’s borders but also quietly take on the roles of fathers, teachers, and friends to the children of the highlands, helping them take steps on their journey to school.
Co-opBank presented gifts to disadvantaged students supported by the Lung Cu Border Guard Station
Co-opBank provided financial support for the education of all 29 children, along with essential gifts such as backpacks, pens, notebooks, and school supplies — carrying with them the affection and goodwill of the bank’s staff.
Co-opBank recognized that sustainable development is not only about financial success but also about social responsibility — about sharing and spreading love, especially toward the nation’s younger generations. The gifts presented today embody the heartfelt care of Co-opBank’s officers and employees for the children living in border areas, with the hope that they will always stay healthy, diligent in their studies, and nurture their dreams to reach a brighter future.
Lieutenant Colonel Kim Xuan Giang, Chief of the Lung Cu Border Guard Station, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for Co-opBank’s support for the officers and soldiers stationed at the nation’s frontier
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant colonel Kim Xuan Giang, Chief of the Lung Cu Border Guard Station, emotionally shared: “We are deeply grateful for the affection from Co-opBank. The gifts from Co-opBank not only provide material support but also serve as a great source of spiritual encouragement, helping border officers and soldiers strengthen their resolve to fulfill their duties. At the same time, they inspire the children to overcome hardships, study well, and nurture their dreams of becoming good citizens who contribute to protecting their homeland.”
Pay tribute to those who fell for the Nation’s borders
During their journey to the heroic land of Tuyen Quang, the Co-opBank delegation visited the Vi Xuyen National Martyrs’ Cemetery — the resting place of heroic soldiers who bravely sacrificed their lives in the battles to defend Vietnam’s northern border.
Co-opBank leaders offered incense at the Vi Xuyen National Martyrs’ Cemetery
Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh, Deputy Party Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Director of Co-opBank signed the traditional memorial book at the Vi Xuyen National Martyrs’ Cemetery
In the gentle early-morning mist at the Vi Xuyen National Martyrs’ Cemetery, members of the Co-opBank delegation solemnly offered incense and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh, Deputy Party Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Director of Co-opBank, shared: “Each incense stick we offer today carries the deep gratitude of all Co-opBank officers and staff to the heroic martyrs. It is through their silent sacrifices that we have the peace and independence of today, allowing us to continue building and developing our country.”
The visit to the cemetery was a profound journey of remembrance, reminding every Co-opBank member of the priceless value of peace and the sacred duty they bear toward the Fatherland.
A sacred moment at the national flag tower
End of the trip, the Co-opBank delegation held a solemn flag-raising ceremony at the Lung Cu Flag Tower where the 54-square-meter red flag with a golden star flutters proudly against the borderland sky, symbolizing the unity and strength of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Co-opBank delegation, together with officers and soldiers of the Lung Cu Border Guard Station and local residents, attended the flag-raising ceremony at the Lung Cu National Flag Tower.
Lieutenant Colonel Kim Xuan Giang, Chief of the Lung Cu Border Guard Station with the Co-opBank leadership at the Lung Cu National Flag Tower
The Lung Cu Border Guard Station respectfully presented the Co-opBank delegation with Flag No. 1496 — the flag that was raised at the Lung Cu Flag Tower on October 5, 2025, and lowered on October 10, 2025 as a sacred symbol of patriotism and the enduring bond between the homeland and the nation’s border defenders.
In a solemn atmosphere, the Co-opBank delegation, together with border guard officers and soldiers, sang the national anthem with their eyes fixed on the sacred flag at the northernmost point of the country.
A deep sense of national pride and love for the homeland surged within every member of the Co-opBank delegation, inspiring each person, wherever they may be, to continue striving for the growth of Co-opBank and the PCF system, and for a prosperous and sustainable Vietnam.
As part of the program, the Lung Cu Border Guard Station respectfully presented the delegation with Flag No. 1496 — the flag that was raised at the Lung Cu Flag Tower on October 5, 2025, and lowered on October 10, 2025. The flag stands as a sacred symbol of patriotism and of the enduring connection between the homeland and the nation’s frontier defenders. It is not only a keepsake but also a reminder to every Co-opBank officer of their responsibility to build, preserve, and spread the resilient Vietnamese spirit at the country’s borderlands.
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The “Early spring warmth for the borderlands” journey concluded with warm handshakes, emotional glances, and the innocent laughter of children. Above all, it was a journey of affection, faith, and social responsibility — a heartfelt message from the people of Co-opBank, the community-oriented bank, to the border guards and residents living at the nation’s northernmost frontier.
It embodies the message that Co-opBank has always upheld: “Sustainable development must go hand in hand with community responsibility, spreading kindness, unity, and the proud spirit of the Vietnamese nation.”
Reporter
