The red flag with yellow star flutters

During these historic August days, the whole country is excitedly celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The image we see most is the splendid red flag with yellow star. The national flag, stained with the blood of many generations of fathers and brothers, now shines brightly on the boulevards and squares; is fresh in every alley and sparkling in the eyes of the elderly and children.

Tens of thousands of patriotic Vietnamese people gathered under the red flag with a yellow star on August 19, 1945. (Archival photo)

Eighty years have passed since our beloved President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, officially declaring Vietnam's right to freedom and independence like all other countries and nations across the five continents. The spirit and enthusiasm from those days are still passed on and amplified naturally, as naturally as the red blood flowing in our veins.

"August, the month of lush green autumn"
Clouds drift lazily by.
What a beautiful day today!
My clouds, my beautiful sky
The Democratic Republic of Vietnam!
The dark shadows of the enemy have been scattered.
The autumn sky of August has brightened again.
On our way back to the capital
"The red flag flies around Uncle Ho's gray hair..."
(We are moving forward - To Huu)

Although we were not historical witnesses to the momentous occasion when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, through the pages of history and the moving literary works mentioned above, we – the younger generation following in the footsteps of our ancestors in that autumn – have also been passed on a sense of pride and boundless love. It was from that moment that a new chapter in the history of the Vietnamese nation was opened.

Our Party and President Ho Chi Minh met the most pressing needs of the people: Independence, Freedom, and Happiness. Following the Party and Uncle Ho, the people "lost their chains and gained the whole world," first and foremost by shedding their enslaved status and deciding their own future, the future of their country. The entire Vietnamese nation "shook off the mud and rose up brilliantly." Like a fragrant and beautiful lotus flower rising from the dark mud to shine and bring beauty to life, Vietnam has become a symbol of peace , resistance against tyrannical aggression, and inspiration for the patriotic movement of people around the world...

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the nation, a very important milestone in the thousand-year history of the Vietnamese people, and simultaneously opens a journey of great effort for the country and its people. From a country that had just broken free from the shackles of slavery and suffering, having endured countless hardships to defend the homeland, Vietnam has affirmed its position as a dynamic nation with a voice and responsibility on the international stage. Vietnam has made remarkable progress in all aspects, from national status, economy , society, culture, and foreign relations… to personal development, where each citizen has increasingly opportunities to develop their lives, physical, intellectual, spiritual, thinking, and professional skills. Now, Vietnam is entering a new era, an era of national resurgence, requiring even greater leaps forward.

Ba Dinh Square has been bustling lately. Not only the people of Hanoi, but also many people from all over the country and abroad flock here to stroll around. Everyone's thoughts are focused on the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Uncle Ho rests peacefully, his voice still seemingly echoing from above: "I speak, do you hear me clearly, my fellow countrymen?" Young and old, men and women, all dress impeccably, with the dominant attire being the red and yellow colors of the Vietnamese flag. Young men and women take selfies, creating trends, and everyone "follows the trend"... That's the term used by today's "internet users." If they follow negative "trends," they are reprehensible, but patriotic "trends" are truly wonderful!

It is gratifying that recent major national events have left beautiful echoes, profoundly impacting the spiritual lives of the people. Even more so, the expressions of the youth increasingly show us that they are worthy successors to their elders, fostering love for the country and dedication to the noble ideal of independence and freedom. The new melodies praising the homeland, composed by young musicians, are truly wonderful works of art. These works, spread through the voices of young "peacetime" singers, are gentle yet poignant, naturally drawing the youth into a common national current: patriotism!

Loving these autumn days, I suddenly remember and empathize with the poet Chế Lan Viên, who once posed the question:

" O Red River, the song of four thousand years"
"Has the homeland ever been this beautiful?"

(Has the homeland ever been this beautiful? - Che Lan Vien)

Happiness is defined differently by each person. For me, happiness isn't about having everything perfect and complete, but rather like today, when I feel overflowing with positive energy. I'll take a stroll in the early morning sun and breeze of Ba Dinh Square, admire the fluttering red flag with a yellow star, and join the seemingly endless stream of happy people…

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/co-do-sao-vang-tung-bay-phap-phoi-714925.html