There is a longing for the independent autumn…

Although they live and work in many different parts of the country, as National Day approaches, the hearts of those from Nghe An living far from home always hold a sacred feeling towards their homeland. Independence Day is not only a national celebration, but also a sacred bond connecting them to their roots, to the memories of proud autumns of independence.

On the eve of National Day on September 2nd, Nghe An Newspaper and Radio & Television recorded the thoughts and feelings of people from Nghe An living far from home, looking towards their homeland.

Mr. Trinh Van Que (born 1962) - Chairman of the Association of Vietnamese Solidarity in Ulyanovsk, Russian Federation: Nostalgia for home from the land of birch trees.

Mr. Trinh Van Que (fourth from the left) with delegates from Nghe An province at Ho Chi Minh Square - Ulyanovsk City, Russian Federation. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

I was born and raised in Nam Kim, Nam Dan district (formerly), now Thien Nhan commune, Nghe An province. In 1988, while working at the North Nghe An Irrigation Company (now North Nghe An Irrigation Company Limited), I was sent to work in the Soviet Union under a labor cooperation agreement between the two countries.

Every time Independence Day approaches, seeing the national flag flying beside the Ho Chi Minh Monument in Zasniazhsky district, Ulyanovsk city, fills me with emotion. For me, National Day is not only a major national holiday, but also a sacred bond connecting those living abroad to their homeland. No matter where we are, we still feel the full honor and pride of being Vietnamese, of being born and raised in Nghe An, a land rich in revolutionary traditions.

It was this sentiment that motivated me and the collective of the "Solidarity" Vietnamese Association in Ulyanovsk (affiliated with the Vietnam-Russia Friendship Association of Nghe An province) to strive to become a bridge between Nghe An and Ulyanovsk. Besides supporting the visits and work of delegations from Nghe An province to Ulyanovsk, the people of Nghe An in Ulyanovsk have also actively engaged in charitable activities and fundraising to support their homeland. Through these activities, the affection of the people of Nghe An for their homeland has been further deepened.

In the hearts of friends around the world, President Ho Chi Minh will always be present as a symbol of peace , compassion, and the aspiration for freedom. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

Every time I have the opportunity to return and witness firsthand the changes in my hometown, from the well-maintained village roads, schools, and hospitals to the ever-expanding industrial zones, I feel incredibly happy and proud.

This innovation is not only a source of joy, but also a motivation for those of us living far from home to become more attached and more eager to contribute, however small, to the overall development of our homeland, Nghe An.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Hoang (born 1995) - Chairman of the Nghe An Youth Association in Hanoi : Homeland is the source of love.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Hoang (second from the right) and members of the Nghe An Youth Association in Hanoi present gifts to support people in western Nghe An after the floods. Photo: Thanh Quynh

These days in Hanoi, people are eagerly and attentively following the activities related to the parade and march commemorating the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). Looking at the excited crowds heading towards Ba Dinh Square, I am reminded of the enthusiastic and vibrant atmosphere of my hometown in the days leading up to National Day.

In Van Tu, the land where I was born and raised, there is a long-standing tradition that has become a beautiful childhood memory for many generations: the children's group gymnastics performance. Every year as National Day approaches, the children in the neighborhood eagerly practice, then excitedly flock to the commune's stadium to set up their brightly colored mini-camps. The adults in the village gather around, watching and encouraging them, creating a joyful and heartwarming celebration filled with human connection.

Perhaps it is this very "human kindness" that has nurtured in me and countless generations of young people from Nghe An living abroad a yearning to return to our roots.

As the Chairman of the Nghe An Youth Association in Hanoi (since 2020), I, along with more than 50,000 young people from Nghe An studying, living, and working in the capital, have strived to connect and send love back to our homeland. The association has made its mark with 6 blood donation programs under the "Nghe Tinh Blood Donation Campaign," contributing more than 1,200 units of precious blood.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Hoang (left) at the pedestrian bridge over the stream donated by the Nghe An Youth Association in Hanoi to the people of Cam Muon commune (formerly), now Muong Quang commune, along with a solar-powered lighting system and the bridge, with a total value of over 350 million VND. Photo: Thanh Quynh

With the motto "giving the best to our homeland," in 2024, at Huoi Pung village (Tuong Duong commune), the Association donated gifts worth over 550 million VND in total.

It is estimated that, over the past 11 years, the young people from other provinces in the Association have collectively implemented a series of practical social welfare activities, with a total contribution value exceeding ten billion VND, aimed at supporting disadvantaged areas of the province.

The "Warm Hearts on the Border" program is an effective initiative that has been maintained for many years by young people from Nghe An province living in Hanoi. Photo: Thanh Quynh

I believe that in the future, young people like us who are far from home will continue to extend this journey of sharing through many meaningful activities, with the belief that our homeland is the source from which to give love.

Colonel Vuong Thai Thanh (born 1948) - former Deputy Commander of the 375th Air Defense Division, Air Defense - Air Force Command: A soldier and unforgettable memories of September 2, 1969.

Portrait of Colonel Vuong Thai Thanh. Photo: Thanh Quynh

As National Day approaches, I recall an unforgettable memory from September 2nd, 1969. It was 2 AM when the unit was put on emergency alert, and the entire army assembled to hear an update on President Ho Chi Minh's health. At that time, we were stationed at a field battlefield in Vinh Bao commune, Hai Phong city (the name remained unchanged after the merger). The moment we received the news, the entire unit fell silent, tears welling up in our eyes, knowing that President Ho Chi Minh's health was in critical condition.

And at 9:47 AM on September 2nd, 1969, upon hearing the news of Uncle Ho's passing, we all burst into tears in indescribable grief. Afterwards, during the week of his funeral, the entire unit resolved to transform our sorrow into action, achieving a feat by shooting down one American plane to report our victory to him.

More than half a century has passed, yet that sacred memory remains vivid in my heart. Every autumn of independence reminds me, and also reminds today's generation, of the value of peace and independence—things that were paid for with the blood and bones of countless generations of our ancestors.

A scene from the morning of September 2, 1969, at the historic Ba Dinh Square as the entire nation bid farewell to President Ho Chi Minh. (Image source: People's Army Newspaper)

From my experience as a soldier, I just want to convey to the younger generation that: In any circumstances, young people need to maintain their character, have ambitions and ideals in life. The country is opening up many opportunities, but along with that come many challenges. To overcome them, you need willpower, a spirit of unity, the courage to take risks, and the nurturing of big dreams to contribute to building a more prosperous and happy nation.

Therefore, September 2nd is not only a national holiday, but also an opportunity for the younger generation to reflect, express gratitude, and remind themselves to live up to the sacrifices of their ancestors, transforming patriotism into concrete actions in their studies, work, and contributions.

Advertising

Source: https://baonghean.vn/co-mot-noi-nho-mua-thu-doc-lap-10305563.html