The article tells about soldier Phung Van Quan who sent a stick to his family in Hoa Xa commune, Ung Hoa district, Hanoi to affirm that he was still safe and sound. Residents from the commune then launched a movement on presenting young soldiers with sticks before they joined the army. The story also inspired songwriter Pham Tuyen to write his famous song ‘Chiec Gay Truong Son’ (Truong Son Stick).
Two second prizes went to Nguyen Xuan Luyen and Xuan Vui with articles entitled ‘Chiec Dia Ban Toi Thu Duoc Cua Dich’ (The Compass I Earned from the Enemy) and ‘Chiec Ca, Manh Vai Du Cua Nguoi Linh Phao’ (The Mug and A Piece of Parachute Fabric of An Artillery Man).
Four third and ten consolation prizes were also given at the ceremony.
The contest was launched in June, 2009 by the Vietnam War Veterans Association, the Ho Chi Minh Youth Union Central Committee and the People’s Army newspaper to celebrate the 66th anniversary of Vietnam’s People’s Army. The contest attracted over 300 entries; many of them were published on publications of People’s Army newspaper and left deep impression on readers.