The magic of autumn

Although I have lived in my second hometown of Dong Nai for more than 20 years, every autumn I still miss the wonderful autumn colors of Hanoi, which cannot be confused with any other place.

Autumn in the remote commune of Nam Cat Tien.

Autumn in Hanoi is an endless source of inspiration, imbued with poetry, touching the hearts of many generations. However, we students at that time loved the pale yellow afternoons, riding our bicycles together around the city. Following the pure, rustic scent of young rice, crossing the fields of plump, "milky" sticky rice, weaving into the alleys of Vong village to find the taste of old young rice. Borrowing a few photographers to follow the romantic check-in with the flower vendors and street vendors, as if carrying the whole autumn of Hanoi on their shoulders; or gracefully wearing Ao Dai under the rows of ancient trees rustling with yellow leaves falling and tilting towards the end of the sky. In the evening, stopping by the streets full of blooming milk flowers, freely inhaling the passionate scent, with young friends chatting about all sorts of things in the world, was enough to make the mind feel light, gentle, and put aside worries. Or, simply spend the whole morning leisurely strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the charming scenery, observing how people, out of love for Hanoi, travel from far away to find it in the chilly weather.

The most special memory, we often wait for the Independence Day, the National Day holiday of September 2nd, to go together to the windy Ba Dinh Square, to see Uncle Ho's Mausoleum at night standing out on the green grass carpets under the sparkling electric lights. Joyfully looking up at the peaceful sky, looking at the soldiers guarding the honor guard at the mausoleum gate guarding the eternal sleep of the beloved leader Ho Chi Minh , our hearts filled with emotion remembering Uncle Ho, proud of the heroic history of the country...

At the historic Ba Dinh Square, the most wonderful and happiest autumn appeared - the autumn of the August Revolution in 1945. President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, officially giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) on September 2, 1945. The entire Vietnamese people burst into joy and stood up to be masters of their country, erasing the dark night of slavery that had lasted nearly a hundred years. History turned a new page, spreading across the S-shaped country to welcome the fresh, sweet autumns, blooming with independence, the fruit of freedom, a life of prosperity, happiness, and love.

For our generation, it is difficult to clearly explain the autumn experience in the “heart of the Fatherland” at the time of the annual National Day. We only know that Hanoi has “inspired” us to strive to study and train, becoming party members while still students. For the majority of young people in the same class more than 20 years ago, being able to stand in the ranks of the Party was an ideal, a clear desire to strive.

Until now, if I could take the initiative to return to Hanoi, I would still choose autumn. It is the most beautiful time of the year to preserve the dear, lingering memories, to refresh emotions and energy. With Hanoi, those who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to stay long enough will easily feel when autumn comes and goes, without having to look at the calendar hanging on the wall. Seeing baskets of green rice, baskets of ripe yellow star fruit, fragrant custard apples in fairy tales, typical flowers... signals that autumn is very close. And when young girls shyly, radiantly, absorbed in posing next to the daisy garden, it is also a sign that the heavens and earth are changing seasons, autumn is gradually coming to an end...

The 50th peaceful autumn since the country was reunited, nearly 40 years of comprehensive national renovation, the image of the homeland and country is increasingly radiant and impressive, under the hands and strong, wonderful creative minds of the Vietnamese people.

In this bustling, bustling Southern land, in the middle of August, driving under the bright yellow sunlight, you just need to let your soul immerse in the cool weather, take a deep breath of fresh air, and then smile happily... and you have gently touched autumn.

This autumn in Dong Nai, from urban areas to remote rural areas, is brimming with new vitality, new spirit, new aspirations, with brilliant flags and flowers welcoming Party congresses at all levels, the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day September 2.

Going through the years, after 8 decades, the historical autumn still carries the breath of the times, multiplying faith, decisive action, bringing the whole nation firmly into the era of rising up.

Loving the beautiful autumns, Vietnamese people understand and appreciate the value that exists in today's autumn. On a sunny autumn morning, coming to the fresh scenery in the remote commune of Nam Cat Tien, looking at the farmers eagerly building a new life, my heart fluttered with the poem about "Fatherland" by Nguyen Sy Dai: "It is all the most beloved things. If I can't put it into words, then I call it Fatherland!"

Feelings about autumn are therefore always fresh and wonderful!

Nguyen Minh Hai

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/tin-moi/202508/dieu-dieu-ky-cua-mua-thu-3c10504/