(VOVworld) – A meeting to mark the 40^th anniversary of southern liberation and national reunification hosted by the Vietnamese embassy in Ukraine gave VOV’s correspondent in Russia an opportunity to meet with veterans who helped Vietnam during the war. They helped Vietnam’s army fight American air forces during Vietnam’s resistance war against America.

Ukraine veterans attend the ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of southern liberation and national reunification. (Photo: VOV)

Veteran Vladimir Tishenko recalls: “After our unit shot down the 399^th, 400^th, and 401^st American aircraft, President Ho Chi Minh visited the battlefield where our unit was stationed. He said whichever unit shot down the 400^th aircraft would receive a medal. It was our unit. By the president’s orders, Vietnamese friends turned the wreckage of the 400^th aircraft into badges for us. I still have mine today. President Ho Chi Minh encouraged us to make every effort to shoot down two aircrafts with a missile. This was not a simple task, but our unit did it. Honestly, those memories are so beautiful I’ll remember them forever.”

Ukraine veterans shared many memories of comradeship with Vietnam veterans and wished that the Vietnamese people will always live in peace and their country will continue to develop.