Journey “Hanoi Amsterdam – From heart to heart” celebrates the 40th anniversary of Hanoi

The journey aims to express gratitude to the government and people of Amsterdam city, and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

The journey, which lasted from June 1 to 22, departed from Hanoi via Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, to express gratitude to the government and people of Amsterdam for their noble gesture in the “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” movement (1973–1975), when the Dutch people called for donations to help the people of Hanoi overcome the consequences of war, rebuild the city, and directly contribute to the construction of the school named Hanoi – Amsterdam.

“From heart to heart” is not only a journey back to the source, but also an opportunity to evoke historical memories, honor humanitarian values and foster cooperative connections between Vietnam and the Netherlands, and between generations of Vietnamese people around the world.

This is also part of a series of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Hanoi - Amsterdam Students Association (HAO) and is a premise for futureeducational and cultural cooperation projects.

The key activities in Amsterdam from June 19-21 were successfully held, notably the official meeting and gratitude with the Amsterdam City Council at the City Hall, with the participation of Mr. Kune Burgers - Chairman of the Amsterdam City Council, Mr. Ngo Huong Nam - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Netherlands, Mr. Mai Thanh Ha, Chairman of the Hanoi - Amsterdam Student Association, along with delegates and historical witnesses such as Mr. Chris de Vries - who participated in the "Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi" movement.

This meeting affirmed the strong relationship and respect of the younger generation for history, as well as contributed to promoting the Vietnam - Netherlands relationship.

During the trip, the delegation met and worked with Ambassador Ngo Huong Nam at the Vietnamese Embassy in the Netherlands on June 19, presented Vun Art's artwork from handmade silk scraps as a spiritual gift from Vietnam to the government and people of Amsterdam, and presented a Vietnamese bookcase to the OBA library in downtown Amsterdam on June 20. Cultural exchange activities and the donation of Vietnamese historical, cultural, and children's books to the OBA Public Library introduced the image of a close and humane Vietnam to international friends.

On June 21, at Dam Square - where the pro-Vietnam protests took place more than 50 years ago - the delegation held a memorial service, shared their feelings and took souvenir photos next to the historic banner "Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi". The procession of the Ams40 symbol at Dam Square and the cozy Gala Dinner of nearly 100 Amsers from 16 countries around the world held in the center of Amsterdam on June 21 ended the journey in an emotional and cohesive atmosphere, with sharing, signing flags and commitments to continue the mission of the previous generation.

The 9-day, 8-night journey of the Amser delegation through France, Belgium and the Netherlands was not only a journey to find their roots but also a vivid demonstration of the lasting friendship between the two nations and the spirit of connection of the global Vietnamese community.

HA CHI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/hanh-trinh-hanoi-amsterdam-tu-trai-tim-toi-trai-tim-ky-niem-40-nam-thanh-lap-truong-ha-noi-amsterdam-post889752.html