Sharing the same proud spirit

Walking amidst flags and flowers

On the morning of April 30th, amidst the nationwide celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country, Con Market—a long-standing traditional market in Dong Hoi City—was also adorned in red. Flags, flowers, and banners were hung up very early. Joy radiated from every face.

Ho Chi Minh Square became a popular destination for locals and tourists on April 30th.

The vendors set up their stalls more beautifully, and the buyers were more numerous and lively. Happiness and pride permeated the market. In the red of the national flag, Con Market seemed to "put on a new outfit." Red shirts with yellow stars and simple but striking banners with slogans were hung in front of each stall.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Duyen, a vendor at Con Market, to join in the celebratory atmosphere of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country, the vendors at the fresh produce stalls contributed money to buy banners and slogans to decorate their stalls, and also bought their own red flag shirts with yellow stars. “For a big celebration, we also make our stalls look nicer, not just during Tet. With flags, flowers, and slogans, we suddenly feel excited and feel like we are contributing to the shared joy,” Ms. Duyen enthusiastically said.

The market was more crowded with shoppers, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere throughout the morning. Everyone seemed more cheerful, exchanging pleasantries about their holiday. When the market emptied, the vendors organized cultural and artistic performances. The market on the morning of April 30th was no longer simply a place of trade, but a place to begin a new day of a major holiday with the most ordinary, natural, and heartwarming moments.

The lively atmosphere wasn't limited to the market. Throughout the central streets, such as Quang Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Hung Vuong, and Ly Thuong Kiet, flags adorned every corner. Households, cafes, offices, and schools all decorated simultaneously, transforming the entire city into a vibrant spectacle. Traffic was bustling, pedestrians strolled leisurely, and everyone could feel the festive spirit spreading through every street and corner.

Small traders at Con Market enthusiastically joined in the celebratory atmosphere of the Liberation Day of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country. — Small traders at Con Market join in the celebratory atmosphere of the Liberation Day of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country. *Source* : Internet

At Ho Chi Minh Square, from early morning on April 30th, there was a bustling crowd of locals and tourists. Amidst the vibrant colors of flags, groups of families and young people eagerly flocked to capture beautiful moments beside the statue of President Ho Chi Minh with the people of Quang Binh . Many children, dressed in traditional ao dai and holding small flags, beamed for the cameras and photographers.

The festive atmosphere permeates every frame. Everyone wants to preserve something of the holiday, not just a photograph, but the feeling of pride and unity shared in this joyous occasion.

Ms. Dinh Thi Phuong, a tourist from Hai Phong City, shared that visiting Quang Binh during the April 30th holiday and being immersed in the festive atmosphere was a special experience. From streets adorned with flags and flowers, bustling squares, to cafes… everything contributed to creating a vibrant and moving picture commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country.

Choose sports to pay tribute to history.

While the city was still asleep, at 3:00 AM on April 30th, more than 100 members of the Quang Binh Runners Club quietly set off from Ho Chi Minh Square, beginning a meaningful running journey called "Long run for reunification - Celebrating the unification of the country."

Participants will choose a meaningful distance of either 30.4km or 50km. No fanfare, no stage, no noisy cheering, just the sound of hurried footsteps echoing through the city streets. The meaningful route takes runners through many historical and cultural landmarks of Dong Hoi.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, the club's chairperson, shared: "We chose the 30.4km and 50km distances to both challenge our physical fitness and commemorate the significance of the Liberation Day of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country. This is a special way for runners to celebrate the grand occasion. The activity attracted club members in Dong Hoi and spread to other localities in the province. Many members who live far from home also participated in the event. Notably, club members studying and living in other provinces and cities also responded from afar."

Along the route, the athletes stopped to take commemorative photos in front of historical sites as a way to connect sports, history, and gratitude. While improving their physical fitness, this running journey was also a subtle, positive, and profound way to express their patriotism.

Similar to Quang Binh Runners, the Quang Binh Triathlon Club (swimming, cycling, and running) also organized activities for its members on this occasion. Athletes swam 1.5km on the Nhat Le River, cycled 40km, and ran 10km.

An event organized by the Quang Binh Triathlon Club (swimming-running-cycling) on the morning of April 30th. — The event organized by the Quang Binh Triathlon Club (swimming, cycling, running) took place on the morning of April 30th.

This event served as a way for sports enthusiasts to celebrate the holiday in their own unique way, and also as a reminder of unity and resilience—qualities that sports always strive for. Each participant felt a sense of pride in contributing to this meaningful day.

Young people join in the festivities.

In a wave of innovative approaches to historical events, many cafes in Dong Hoi have contributed to making the holiday more vibrant and culturally rich. Cafes like Nup (Tran Quang Dieu Street), Mo (Huu Nghi Street), etc., decorated with colorful flags and flowers days in advance, becoming meaningful "check-in" spots.

From early morning on April 30th, these cafes broadcast live television programs of the 50th anniversary celebration, parade, and march commemorating the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country, allowing customers to watch along. Cafe Mô also screened historical films such as "The Scent of Burning Grass" and "Saigon Commandos," letting customers relive the heroic atmosphere of that era through these old films.

People watched the commemorative program, parade, and march at Núp Cafe (Tran Quang Dieu Street).

The cozy atmosphere of the cafe, along with special film screenings, has become a place that connects generations. All of this creates an experience that is both relaxing and deeply meaningful. Mr. Nguyen Minh Tam, owner of Mo Cafe, affirms that decorating the cafe and screening historical films is intended to awaken and spread patriotism and national spirit to everyone, especially the younger generation. It is truly commendable that young people have enthusiastically supported and embraced this initiative.

Many students and young people visit the cafe to enjoy coffee while attentively watching documentaries. This shows that young people are not indifferent to history; they just need a space to approach it in a more intimate and natural way.

Tran Vi Phuong Thao, a resident of Dong Son ward (Dong Hoi city), said that visiting the restaurant on this special occasion made her feel even more special. "I felt moved and proud. I think this is a great way for young people like us to connect with history," Thao expressed.

The day of April 30th concluded with a spectacular fireworks display at Ho Chi Minh Square. Thousands of locals and tourists flocked there from early morning. Small flags, LED lights, and children on their parents' shoulders cheered as the fireworks lit up the sky. It all seemed like a joyful anthem echoing the past while also sparkling with hope for the future. Each generation, though expressing their joy and excitement differently, shared a common feeling of pride.