When millions of hearts share the same red flag

Mr. Nguyen Dac Duy, veteran of Chuong My ward, Hanoi :

Relive the sacred moments of the nation

In the overwhelming joy of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2, I - an old soldier who has experienced countless months of bombs and bullets - still cannot help but be moved. 80 years is a long time in history, but for me, the memory of that boiling autumn is still intact, as brilliant as if it had happened yesterday.

When the red flag with yellow star fluttered in the historic Ba Dinh Square, millions of my compatriots and I burst into boundless happiness. We understood that from that sacred moment, our nation had officially entered a new page of history - independence, freedom and mastery of the country's destiny.

Although time has turned my hair gray, every time I think about the day our country gained independence, my heart still flutters, reliving that sacred moment. I am proud to have contributed my small part on the arduous but glorious path of the nation. Especially, when I see the national flag flying proudly on this great holiday, my heart is choked with emotion and I am speechless. Today's happiness and freedom are not easy to achieve. It is the blood, the tears, the youth of countless soldiers like me and my comrades who have fallen on the battlefield.

I am touched to see that today’s young generation still respects history, still gets emotional when talking about the August Revolution and National Day. That is a great consolation, a firm belief that the sacrifices of previous generations were not in vain. When the love for the Fatherland still burns brightly in the hearts of the young, old soldiers like me will live forever in the hearts of the nation.

Mrs. Bui Thi Lai, wife of a martyr, Kieu Phu commune, Hanoi:

Proudly join in the great festival of the country

Born and raised in a family with a revolutionary tradition in Quoc Oai district (now Kieu Phu commune, Hanoi), I was nurtured with patriotism and national pride since childhood. After getting married, my husband went to war at the sacred call of the Fatherland. In the rear, I took care of my young children and participated in mass mobilization work, working as the leader of the village production team.

In 1969, when I heard that my husband had died at the Southern Front, I was in great pain but still told myself to be strong to be a support for my children, to continue living and raising them to adulthood with pride in the heroic father who had fallen for the independence and freedom of the nation.

For more than 50 years since the country was unified, my husband has remained on the battlefield forever. My children and grandchildren are always grateful and respectful of his noble sacrifice. This year, turning 90, for the first time I was able to attend the State-level rehearsal of the celebration, parade, and march to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2, which was organized solemnly and on a large scale. Immersing myself in the heroic atmosphere, witnessing the solemn parades and marches with my own eyes, I felt like I was reliving the glorious historical years of the nation.

I was deeply moved by the thoughtful care of the authorities, from guiding the way to arranging a good viewing spot. It was a great honor in my life. Despite my old age, I always try to live happily, healthily, and usefully, and remind my children and grandchildren to live well, study, and work according to the law, worthy of the great sacrifices of the previous generation. I am truly proud to be a son of Vietnam.

Ms. Vu Thi Dao, Kim Lien collective housing area, Kim Lien ward, Hanoi:

A meaningful journey for the children

On the occasion of April 30, 2025, when watching the ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on TV, my whole family eagerly awaited the day of the parade in Hanoi. It has been many years since the country has had such a festival, so we did not want to miss it. My family "followed the trend" of patriotism without missing any day, everyone was happy and excited, even though we had to queue, rain or shine, we did not feel tired at all. My children were taken by their parents to meet the soldiers right from when the military blocs practiced the parade in Hoa Lac. The 4-year-old was very happy, because before that, he had only seen it through pictures, TV and through songs and stories told by his teacher, so when he came back, he kept telling stories about meeting the soldiers, being held by the soldiers and being fed milk. The older children had a meaningful journey to better understand the tradition of struggle, courage and national pride.

I believe that when they grow up, they will never forget the happy, proud and emotional atmosphere when the whole family was immersed in the forest of red flags welcoming the troops today. Those are also the most meaningful practical lessons, the gift that brings the most wonderful emotions that we want to give to our children.

Mrs. Dinh Thi Nhu, Xuan Hong commune, Ninh Binh province:

Happy to be in Hanoi to watch the parade

No words can describe the emotion I felt when I was able to immerse myself in the unique atmosphere of the festival in Hanoi these days. My daughter-in-law and grandchildren came to Hanoi from Ninh Binh a few days ago to watch the preliminary and final rehearsals of the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. Although I had to line up all day, it was sunny at noon and rainy in the afternoon, I was tired but very happy. The excitement and pride erased all the tiredness.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to participate in such a grand and emotional event. My generation lived through the years when relatives went to war, so we understand the price of independence and freedom, the beauty of peace. I am so lucky to have witnessed these historic days with my own eyes. Never before have my mother, my children, and my grandmother felt so deeply the national pride and great patriotism of the people.

Everywhere was bright with the red flags flying. Sitting on the sidewalks all day, but everyone was excited, enthusiastically singing songs about the revolution and the country. All were strangers lining up to welcome the group, but our people were very united, giving up their seats to the elderly, buying food, helping each other look after things, young people volunteered to give drinks, cakes... I am old, but if on the next great national holiday, God blesses me with good health, I will continue to line up to watch the parade.

Le Thi Huyen, student at Hanoi Medical College:

Cherish the value of peace

As a student who volunteered to support people on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2, I was filled with pride and emotion. Standing among the bustling crowd, witnessing the solemn and bustling atmosphere of the great festival, I clearly felt the sacred meaning of this event - it was the result of many generations who sacrificed and fought for the country to be independent and free as it is today.

Every time I help a citizen, whether it is a small thing like giving instructions, giving water, or simply a smile of encouragement, I feel an indescribable happiness in my heart. It is not only a responsibility, but also an honor to contribute to serving the people. I realize that it is those moments that make me more mature, to appreciate the value of peace and freedom more than ever.

There are times when I am tired, but when I see the grateful eyes and friendly smiles of the people, my heart is filled with energy. I understand that this is not just a simple volunteer work, but also a way for me to contribute to preserving and spreading the spirit of patriotism and community spirit. These valuable experiences will forever be a solid foundation, helping me to continue on the path of learning and dedication, always looking towards my beloved country with all my faith and deep love.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khi-trieu-con-tim-cung-chung-mau-co-do-714693.html