The motorbike spreads the "flavor" of peace.

Despite being 76 years old, driven by a desire to be present at this momentous occasion for the nation, Mr. Tran Van Thanh (a veteran from Nghe An province) decided to travel by motorbike from his hometown to Ho Chi Minh City to watch the parade and march commemorating the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).

Báo Bình Thuận•25/04/2025

Although he told his family he would travel by bus, at exactly 10:00 AM on April 17, 2025, from Vinh City, Nghe An Province, Mr. Thanh donned his military uniform and began his journey on his 25-year-old motorbike. Besides his personal belongings, he also brought a stove, pots and pans, a motorbike repair kit, a water heater, and, most notably, the national flag which he kept attached to the back of his vehicle throughout his journey.

Having fought on the B5 front during the resistance war against the US, this trip is his way of paying tribute to his fallen comrades on the battlefields of the past. It's also a way for him to experience the taste of peace in the lands he's visited, as a way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

Mr. Thanh shared: " For me, life during the war was very difficult. In peacetime, life is comfortable and happy. Coming here from Nghe An, I see that everything has changed completely. My generation wants to send a message to today's young generation: you must strive very hard."

Traveling through the sun-drenched and windswept central region of Vietnam, Mr. Thanh arrived in Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province, on the morning of April 25, 2025. Seeing him, many people couldn't hide their joy and emotion at the sight of a veteran who remained wholeheartedly devoted to his country. And the concern of everyone helped to make his long journey feel closer and closer.

Mr. Tran Van Thanh added: "Along the way, the locals treated us very well, offering us food and drinks very enthusiastically. There were meals they offered like a wedding feast, which we couldn't have imagined. Even though we were too tired to eat, everyone was very enthusiastic in their invitations."

Having endured countless hardships during wartime, Mr. Thanh's love for his country has only grown stronger over the years. Therefore, this nearly 1,400km journey is not only about the veteran's participation in a momentous national holiday, but also about spreading the joy of peace, leading towards a day of complete victory. From there, it helps generations to reflect on history and cherish the heroic deeds of our ancestors who willingly sacrificed their lives to win independence.