The days when the capital was full of flags and flowers

This autumn, Hanoi has a new vitality, that is the joy and excitement aroused by the pride of a nation. From all over the country, many people have arranged their work and time to come to the capital to attend the activities to celebrate the great festival. In their hearts, the joy of the historic April still resonates.

Cherish every moment

Although living and working in Da Nang, Hoang Nhat An (29 years old) still attended both A50 (50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, National Reunification, April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) and A80 (80th anniversary of National Day, September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). “Because peace is so beautiful and meaningful, I don't want to miss any occasion. I believe that this is both a way to realize national pride and a way to show gratitude to the previous generation. Every time I stand under the fluttering red flag, I remember my grandfather and other soldiers who devoted their lives to the country,” Nhat An shared.

Young people immerse themselves in the proud atmosphere of the great holiday. Photo: VIET HUNG

Although both times were far from home, Nhat An said she did not encounter any difficulties, because wherever she went, she felt the warmth of the Vietnamese people. Even when they knew she was a tourist coming to celebrate the great festival, many people proactively asked and enthusiastically supported her. For An, on this trip to Hanoi, watching the flag raising ceremony at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum and visiting historical sites was more meaningful than ever, because the space of the past and present seemed to blend into one, and the joy of looking forward to National Day was also filled with every heroic vestige of the resistance war.

On the first day of training of the A50 batch, Ms. Nguyen Bang (29 years old, living in Hanoi ) arrived early and was able to stand close to the parade. The happy and impressive feelings at that time are still intact today, urging her to once again join in the joy of the whole country. She shared: “I was very moved when witnessing not only the officers and soldiers directly participating in the parade, but also the logistics staff, the volunteer students, and the children in every step. That scene is deeply engraved in my heart, so I have never missed any training sessions of both the A50 and A80 batches.”

In recent days, Ms. Bang has always chosen the route through Uncle Ho's Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square to feel the gradually warming atmosphere of the grand ceremony. Although she was born and raised in Hanoi, this is the first time she feels that autumn in the capital is so memorable. The road around the square is brilliant with flags and flowers, the procession of people entering Uncle Ho's Mausoleum follows one another, young women wearing ao dai with red flags on their shoulders... Witnessing this bustling and somewhat unfamiliar capital, Ms. Bang feels her heart flutter and is deeply moved.

Memories live forever

In the hearts of many people, the images of the rehearsal and parade live forever like a beautiful film, making everyone want to follow and watch. Each time watching is a time to add to national pride. Hong Ngoc (22 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “If A50 was the first time participating, the first time knowing, then A80 is when the happiness is engraved deeper and clearer. I decided to go to Hanoi because I miss that proud atmosphere. Knowing in advance helps me prepare mentally, enjoy the beauty of peace more fully.”

Every inch of land that was once wracked by bombs and bullets in the capital Hanoi is now bustling with the proud footsteps of thousands of patriotic hearts. Thanh Trang (17 years old, living in Hanoi) said: “I was taking my grandmother on Doi Can street when I heard the sound of jets overhead. She told me to stop and I saw her crying. She said that in 1972, right on this street, she hid in her personal bunker, trembling with fear when the sound of planes screeched, both afraid and worried about her parents who were on duty. Today, the sound of planes roars just like that, but the streets are filled with happy and proud faces. Young men and women about her age that year waved flags, their eyes eagerly looking up at the sky, watching the planes practicing for the grand ceremony. When I heard her tell the story, I believe that the sacred moments of A50 or A80 will live forever and nourish the souls of future generations.”

In the future, when the applause has stopped, the cheers have faded and the streets have returned to their original peaceful state, the days marked with pride will remain as evidence of a proud Vietnamese people marching under the flag of peace. Whether going North or South, whether it is A50, A80 or many years from now, in the spirit of national unity, young Vietnamese people will always act and spread a patriotism that has been cultivated day by day.

GRACE

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-ngay-thu-do-rop-co-hoa-post810885.html