A recent live broadcast commemorating the 79th anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day featured a poignant performance by veteran Trương Quý Hải, which deeply moved the audience. His song, "Singing for the Living," resonated with many, evoking tears as it paid tribute to fallen soldiers.

The event, titled "Guiding Stars," showcased the heartfelt performance of Trương Quý Hải, who began with just his guitar under soft, golden lighting reminiscent of an old battlefield. Attending the event were high-ranking officials, including General Secretary and President Tô Lâm, who watched silently as the song played alongside footage of efforts to recover the remains of soldiers over the decades.

Many in the audience were visibly touched by the lyrics, which spoke of living soldiers who continue to seek out their comrades who have not returned from the battlefield. Trương Quý Hải, a veteran of Division 356 who fought at the Vị Xuyên front, shared that the song was inspired by the lingering regrets of himself and his fellow soldiers after the war.

"Singing for the Living" was written to commemorate the 100th day of the inauguration of the 468 Memorial, dedicated to the heroes who fought at Vị Xuyên. Trương Quý Hải explained that he could not attend the groundbreaking ceremony but felt compelled to contribute a song instead. The lyrics emerged as a call from the living to their fallen comrades, acknowledging that while some have found rest, many others remain unaccounted for.

He noted that approximately 2,000 comrades are still missing, lying somewhere in the mountains and valleys, unable to return to their families. His other song, "Come Back, Comrades," also reflects the sentiments of those who have experienced the horrors of war and serves as a voice for the living to honor the fallen.

One significant source of inspiration for Trương Quý Hải has been the years-long search for his comrade, Nguyễn Văn Kim, who recounted the haunting memory of his commander, Nguyễn Hữu Thanh, who was killed in action in July 1984, just 20 meters away from him. The inability to bring him back became a lasting burden for Kim.

It wasn't until 2012 that Kim and other veterans reunited with Thanh's family to search for his remains. After 28 years, they found his remains, aided by a piece of fabric given to him before he enlisted, which helped identify him. Kim expressed relief in bringing Thanh home but acknowledged the many others still missing, prompting them to continue their search.

For the veterans of Vị Xuyên, the quest to find their comrades is unending. "Singing for the Living" stands not only as a memorial song but as a promise from the living to the fallen: no one will be forgotten until all are returned to their homeland.

"The border is free of enemies, Comrades, come back home, Return to the warmth of your homeland..." (excerpt from the song "Singing for the Living")