Independence Day Emotions

Nearly 80 years have passed since the historic Autumn of 1945, but in the memories of those who witnessed the nation's first Independence Day, that sacred emotion remains intact, as if it were just yesterday.

Mr. Nguyen Quan and his wife recall memories through precious documentary photos in a small house in Duc Xuan ward.

In August, when the earth and sky entered Autumn, we had the opportunity to meet two special witnesses, who had witnessed the historic moment of the nation. They were Mr. Nguyen Quan, 94 years old, in Duc Xuan ward and Mr. Vu Van Tuat, 92 years old, in Bac Kan ward.

Welcoming us in a small, orderly and quiet house, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Quan - former Head of the Party History Department (Logistics Academy), former President of the Veterans Association of the old Bac Kan province, still retains his clear voice, bright and intelligent eyes at a rare age. In the fall of 1945, he was only 16 years old, but the memory of the day the country gained independence has not faded to this day.

Mr. Quan recalled: At that time, information was spread by word of mouth by pedestrians. When hearing the news that Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, the whole town of Bac Kan burst into joy. Even though they did not hear it directly, everyone understood that from now on the country would be called the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

During the resistance war, Mr. Quan participated in many major battles, especially the Bac Kan town liberation campaign in 1949. After leaving the army after more than 40 years of service, he continued to contribute to the locality, being one of the founders of the Bac Kan Provincial Veterans Association.

Until now, in meetings with union members and students, he still passionately talks about the days of fighting and contributing to national independence. He said: Memory is a priceless asset, and history must be told with words from the heart.

Also a living witness of that sacred moment, Mr. Vu Van Tuat (currently living in a small alley in Bac Kan ward, 92 years old this year) has white hair and a trembling voice, but when talking about September 2, 1945, his eyes suddenly lit up, full of emotion.

Mr. Vu Van Tuat takes care of the bonsai trees in front of his house.

Mr. Tuat recalled: The weather was beautiful that day. Everyone was excitedly going to the headquarters of the Provincial Resistance Committee. People wore simple indigo and brown shirts, holding red flags with yellow stars. The flags were hand-sewn, the colors were sometimes uneven, but the hearts of the people were extremely bright.

The atmosphere of Independence Day in Bac Kan at that time was very special. Mr. Tuat said that the old and the young, men and women were all excited as if they were going to a festival. Many families boiled water to invite guests, some laughed, some cried because after many years of fighting, the country finally gained independence.

"The cry 'Long live Vietnam's independence!' echoed throughout the mountains and forests. At that time, I was a young man in my twenties, not fully understanding the two words ' politics ', but I clearly felt that the country was changing. Then our descendants would no longer live in hunger and insecurity like their ancestors did" - he recalled with emotion. Now, every time he hears the music celebrating National Day, he is as moved as ever.

80 years have passed, but historical memories still live on in the hearts of those who experienced the General Uprising in that Autumn. They are living milestones, bridges between the past and the present, reminding today's generation of patriotism, national spirit and aspirations for a bright future.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-tri/202509/xuc-cam-tet-doc-lap-7513e9d/