Mr. Nguyen Van Ngai, former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training: “ The city has built a top-quality education system in the country .”
Having lived and been connected to this land since before the reunification of the country, I have been fortunate enough to witness the development of Ho Chi Minh City. Every time I look back at the milestone of July 2nd, 1976 – the day Saigon-Gia Dinh officially took the name of President Ho Chi Minh – I am filled with emotion and pride. It was not just a change in name, but also the beginning of a new journey for a city bearing a great honor and a very special responsibility before the entire nation.
Half a century has passed, and anyone who lived in the city since the post-liberation years will clearly feel the miraculous transformation. From a city facing many difficulties after the war, Ho Chi Minh City has risen strongly, becoming the economic engine of the country, a major center for trade, science, technology, education, healthcare, and international integration. Modern roads, new urban areas, an increasingly完善 transportation system, and national-scale projects all reflect the vitality and unceasing aspiration for development of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh.
What impressed me most was not just the transformation of the city's appearance, but the maturity of its people. Today's citizens are more dynamic, creative, and confident in their integration into the global community, yet they still retain their compassion, sharing spirit, and resilience – qualities that have been hallmarks of Ho Chi Minh City for many decades.
Having dedicated my entire life to education, I deeply appreciate the crucial role education has played in this development. From the days of scarcity in schools and teachers, the city has now built a top-quality education system, leading the way in innovation, digital transformation, and international integration. Many generations of students trained at the city's schools have become high-quality human resources, making significant contributions to the development of the city and the country.
I believe that, in the journey ahead, with new mechanisms and policies and a strong aspiration for progress, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to maintain its leading role, not only economically but also as a center of culture, education, science, and innovation in Vietnam. More importantly, no matter how much it develops, the city will still preserve its humane, compassionate traditions and its spirit of serving the whole country – values that have shaped the unique identity of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh for the past 50 years.
Mr. Nguyen Cong Duong (78 years old), a veteran in Vinh Loc commune, Ho Chi Minh City , shared : " The city has always maintained its tradition of compassion, solidarity, and focus on the people ."
I am a soldier who fought on the battlefields of Southern Vietnam until the complete victory in the Spring of 1975. More than half a century has passed, but whenever I remember those arduous years of war and look at Ho Chi Minh City today, I am always filled with emotion and pride that is difficult to express in words.
The day Saigon - Gia Dinh officially adopted the name of President Ho Chi Minh was a sacred milestone for soldiers like us. It was the culmination of countless sacrifices and losses made by previous generations so that the country could achieve independence and unification, and the people could live in peace. Every time I mention the city named after Uncle Ho, I always feel it is both a source of pride for the city's people and a symbol of the will and aspiration of the entire nation.
From the early days after liberation, fraught with difficulties, to the present day, the city has undergone tremendous transformation. Wide roads, bridges, and modern urban areas have been built one after another; the economy is developing dynamically, people's lives are constantly improving, and security and order are maintained. Not only is it the economic engine of the country, but the city also attracts a large number of people from all over to study, work, and establish their careers, creating a vibrant and compassionate metropolis.
What I appreciate most is that despite its rapid development, the city has maintained its tradition of compassion, solidarity, and a focus on its people. Policies caring for families of war veterans, those who have contributed to the nation, the poor, and laborers, as well as sharing during difficult times with the motto "leaving no one behind," clearly demonstrate the city's genuine compassion.
Witnessing the city's continuous development, I believe that the sacrifices of our generation were entirely worthwhile. I hope that today's young generation will continue to uphold the patriotic tradition, diligently study, work, and innovate to build Ho Chi Minh City into an increasingly civilized, modern, and compassionate city; worthy of being the leading engine of national development and worthy of the noble name that history bestowed upon it 50 years ago.
Captain Phan Dinh Linh - Deputy Team Leader, Staff and Synthesis Team, Drug Crime Investigation Police Department, Ho Chi Minh City Police , Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City in 2021: “It is an honor and a source of pride to live and contribute in the city named after President Ho Chi Minh!”
It's been over twelve years since I first set foot in Ho Chi Minh City to study, then stayed to work and grow, and looking back, I still see it as a beautiful twist of fate. Because when I was still in school in my hometown, I never imagined that one day I would establish my career in the city named after President Ho Chi Minh – a place that has always appeared to me as a vibrant, modern, and aspirational city.
An opportunity came unexpectedly when I was accepted into the People's Police University. After graduating, I was fortunate enough to be assigned by the Ministry of Public Security to work in Ho Chi Minh City. In the beginning, as a young man far from home, I couldn't help but feel disoriented; everything was new: the pace of life was faster, the workload was heavier, and the responsibilities were greater. There were times I missed home, times when I felt it would be difficult to adapt to this place, but the city taught me to grow and mature.
Through each shift, each incident, each time I worked alongside my colleagues in the field, maintaining peace and security for the people, I gradually came to understand more about the people here. The city is not just about skyscrapers, bustling traffic, or streets that never sleep; what truly gives the city its vitality is its people – sincere, compassionate, and always ready to share with each other in the most difficult times.
I have been with the city through the months of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing countless sacrifices, mutual support, and the spirit of solidarity among its people. I have also become accustomed to the sudden rains and the glorious sunny days of the Southeast region, and to the bustling yet humane pace of life. At that moment, I suddenly realized that I had become a citizen living and contributing to the city named after President Ho Chi Minh without even knowing it.
Captain Phan Dinh Linh during a program to raise awareness about the dangers of various types of drugs.
As a police officer, I understand that behind the facade of civilization and modernity, there are still many dangers and challenges; each day on duty makes me appreciate even more the value of peace and the meaning of the word "service." Contributing a small part to maintaining security and order in Ho Chi Minh City is not only a duty but also a source of pride for young people.
The 50th anniversary of Saigon - Gia Dinh City being honored with the name of President Ho Chi Minh is a memorable milestone. For me personally, that pride also holds a very special meaning: to live, contribute, and grow up on this land of deep affection. No matter where I was born, today I am always proud to say: I am a citizen of the city named after Uncle Ho.”
Composer Nguyen Van Chung: “ This land not only nurtured my soul but also served as the greatest launching pad for my songwriting career .”
“For me, Ho Chi Minh City is not just a place on a map, but an entire realm of childhood memories and is in my very being. I was born and raised in this land, where childhood memories are intertwined with my mother's motorbike, traversing the bustling streets of the old District 5 and District 6, or visiting the vibrant Cholon market in the afternoons. My entire youth spent studying at the prestigious Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted is also the most brilliant piece of my youth that the city has bestowed upon me.”
Having lived in various districts from District 5, District 3, District 1 to the former Binh Thanh District, I've been fortunate enough to witness the city's miraculous transformation over time. People often say Ho Chi Minh City is changing every day, and that's absolutely true. I remember the old District 1 with its anxieties about phone and bag snatching on the streets. But thanks to the efforts of the City Police to maintain peace and order, social order has now been restored, bringing peace of mind to both residents and international tourists. The urban landscape has also donned a new, more modern look with the Metro line, pedestrian streets, and vibrant public spaces.
There are symbolic values that only city dwellers can truly appreciate. In the past, it was the Bitexco Tower – a place where many young people met and dated; today, it's the majestic Landmark Tower. Now, whenever I travel far, just seeing the familiar high-rises on the horizon fills me with a poignant feeling: I've finally come home!
This land not only nurtured my soul but also served as the greatest springboard for my songwriting career. Being a member of the City Music Association, through trips to historical sites and songwriting campaigns, the flame of patriotism within me was ignited. Experiencing the historic milestone of April, it was deeply moving when my song "Continuing the Story of Peace" was performed at the program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. Receiving the audience's appreciation and a Certificate of Merit from the City People's Committee was an invaluable reward, a warm embrace from my homeland to its child.
The city's cultural and entertainment life has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Large-scale concerts and art programs subtly incorporating national pride have narrowed the gap between artists in professional associations and the market, connecting the younger generation with traditional values. I realize that artists who receive public affection have a responsibility to give back positive values. My willingness to contribute to community programs, such as drug prevention campaigns, is my way of showing gratitude to life.
I love the people here – the city's inhabitants are always friendly, open, and full of compassion. As we enter a new era, I hope the city will continue to innovate strongly in transportation, education, and administrative procedures so that people's lives become even better. I will always be proud: I am a son of Ho Chi Minh City!
Source: https://cand.vn/bai-cuoi-tu-hao-la-cong-dan-tp-ho-chi-minh-post815550.html
