The resounding echoes of the heroic song of youth.

The Department of Education and Training recently organized a competition for students to promote revolutionary songs. Over the three days, the stirring melodies illuminated the stage. The competition also provided an opportunity for the younger generation to proudly reflect on history, cultivate resilience, and nurture aspirations to contribute to their homeland and country.

The Department of Education and Training recently organized a competition for students to promote revolutionary songs. Over the three days, the stirring melodies illuminated the stage. The competition also provided an opportunity for the younger generation to proudly reflect on history, cultivate resilience, and nurture aspirations to contribute to their homeland and country.

Students from Vo Van Kiet High School won first prize with their performance of "The Train Passes Through the Mountains".

Singing amidst a historic autumn

Amidst the nationwide celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd, nearly 1,000 students from 54 high schools and ethnic boarding schools in the province gathered for the "Following in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors" competition. With 90 performances ranging from solo and duet singing to choral performances, dance demonstrations, and presentations, the event created a " grand musical feast" imbued with revolutionary spirit on the school stage.

A special highlight was the presentation on the meaning and context of the songs' creation. The students performed fluently and confidently, transforming the stage into a vibrant history classroom where music blended with tradition. Sharing her thoughts on the winning performance, Pham Thanh Thao, a 10th-grade student from Vo Van Kiet High School, emotionally said: “The young generation of Vietnam always affirms its pioneering role, worthy of the traditions of our ancestors. The song 'My Train Passes Through the Mountains' praises youthful love, the aspiration to rise above challenges, and is a symbol of the nation's indomitable spirit, while also reminding us to cherish the sacrifices made during the war.”

Besides the singing, the introduction also evoked strong emotions. With the song "Singing to Celebrate Sister Út," students from Tam Ngãi High School recreated the image of a Vietnamese woman during the resistance war—a symbol of patriotism, courage, and self-sacrifice. Inspired by the life of Nguyen Thi Út, composer Tú Ngọc wrote the song to praise her indomitable spirit and radiant love for her homeland.

The audience was also deeply moved by the medley of "Marching Song - National Guard - The Road We Take" performed by students from Luu Van Liet High School. Eighty years ago, composer Van Cao wrote "Marching Song" - the national anthem of the nation. At the same time, composer Phan Huynh Dieu composed "National Guard" as a vow to protect the young independence. More than 20 years later, composer Huy Du wrote "The Road We Take" - a heroic anthem affirming absolute faith in the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the victory of the nation. The medley connects the historical thread, becoming a reminder for today's young generation to study, train, and contribute to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.

The performances presented by students in the competition not only rekindled historical pride but also instilled in them a sense of pride and responsibility. Mr. Thach Tha Lai, Head of the Organizing Committee and Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, emphasized: “The competition is a beneficial playground, combining art and education , vividly conveying revolutionary ideals and spirit to the younger generation. These melodies contribute to spreading the aspiration to build and protect the Fatherland.”

Spreading the aspiration to live a beautiful life.

Although some performances lacked harmony between vocal quality and visual appeal, some students chose songs unsuitable for their voices, and presentations were sometimes superficial, above all, the most valuable aspect was the spirit of unity, the spread of revolutionary ideals, and the aspirations of youth.

More than just a singing competition, for the group of students from Nguyen Binh Khiem Specialized High School who won first prize at the contest, it was also a journey of experience. Hoang Kim Do Thuy (12th grade, English 2) shared: "Participating in the contest gave me many valuable experiences, helped me understand more about history, and created beautiful memories of my school days." Nguyen Minh Phat (11th grade, Physics-Informatics) honestly said: "I don't have much stage experience, I only sing karaoke at home. I learned how to work in a team, hone my singing skills, and cooperate. My teammates were very enthusiastic, and I tried my best to keep up."

Nguyen Phuc Thien (11th grade Literature class) described the feeling of standing on the big stage as "overwhelming," but afterwards felt he had matured and become more confident. Nguyen Ba An Lam (11th grade English 2 class) said: "Everything went very smoothly. I made many new friends and expanded my network."

Sharing the message the group wanted to convey, Pham Minh Quan (12th grade Chemistry class) said: “Cherish your school years and live life to the fullest. This is an opportunity to learn and experience. Through these songs, we want to remind ourselves and inspire young people: we must cherish peace and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors to preserve the independence and freedom that previous generations sacrificed their lives to achieve.”

Mr. Thach Tha Lai emotionally shared: “Today’s journey has ended, but the echoes and aspirations of you all continue to the future. Maintain your pride and continue to spread the spirit of patriotism and loyalty to the noble ideals of the nation.”

The 2025 Revolutionary Song Propaganda Contest left a strong impression. This was not just a "student arts festival," but also a great learning experience where young people honed their skills, nurtured their souls, and sowed the seeds of aspiration. From today's stage, countless songs of youth will continue to resonate, blending into the journey of building the homeland and the nation.

The A-prize winners in the solo and duet categories of the competition were: "The Train Passes Through the Mountains" (Vo Van Kiet High School), "What Do We See Tonight?" (Ngo Van Can High School), "The Homeland Calls Our Name" (Binh Minh High School), "New Day in the Countryside" (Nguyen Dinh Chieu High School), and "Flowers Blooming on Truong Son Road" (mashup: "My Car Passes Through Truong Son Road," "The Girl Who Opens the Road") (Truong Vinh Ky High School). The A-prize winners in the group singing and dancing category were: Mashup: "Uncle Ho Is Marching with Us - Continuing the Story of Peace" (Nguyen Binh Khiem Specialized High School), "Song of Building New Rural Areas" (Nguyen Dinh Chieu High School), "National Flag in a Distant Island" (Nguyen Thien Thanh Specialized High School), "The Spacious New Road" (Tran Van Kiet High School), and "The Sun in the Darkness" (Duong Quang Dong High School).

Text and photos: CAO HUYEN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/202509/am-vang-khuc-ca-tuoi-tre-hao-hung-c4911e6/