Da Nang is filled with flags and flowers to welcome the "Reunification Train"

Welcoming the "Reunification Train" at Da Nang Station - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Joining the joyful atmosphere of the whole country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, at noon on April 30, Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) held a ceremony to welcome the "Reunification Train". Nearly 900 passengers on the train, including 400 passengers getting off at Da Nang station and nearly 500 passengers boarding the train to continue the journey to Hanoi station and Saigon station, had an emotional meeting at Da Nang station.

City leaders and veterans join in welcoming the ship - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Attending the welcoming ceremony were leaders of Da Nang City, representatives of the Ministry of Construction , the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with veterans, historical witnesses, students and hundreds of Da Nang residents.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ngan, a passenger from Ho Chi Minh City, emotionally shared her feelings during the journey on train SE4: "Traveling on train SE4 is a great honor and happiness for me. The moment of saluting the flag on the train is very special, completely different from the familiar flag-saluting ceremonies when I was in school. When the national anthem sounded, everyone sang in unison, looking towards Saigon - the place that marked the historic victory of April 30, as if reliving the heroic moment of the nation".

Brilliant flags welcome train SE4 - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

"I felt like I was immersed in the heroic historical flow of the country. When the train entered the station, looking through the glass window and seeing the soldiers and people standing and waving their hands to welcome me warmly, I felt the strong connection of the people. There was no longer a regional gap - only national pride, gratitude for the past and faith in the future. It was an unforgettable moment," said Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ngan emotionally.

Passengers on the train had special emotional experiences - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Duy (Ninh Binh) also shared his extremely special feelings of honor when stepping off the SE4 train: "Witnessing the two trains meeting after 50 years of national reunification is a special experience because our ancestors had to shed a lot of blood to achieve this reunification. So I feel extremely honored and happy."

Passengers capture beautiful moments on the special train - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Mr. Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam Railways Corporation, said that the railway industry organized two unified trains connecting the North and South with the desire to spread pride on the anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.

Historically, after the country's reunification in November 1975, the Government Council issued order No. 358 to quickly restore the Thong Nhat railway. "Only 1 year later, on December 4, 1976, we had completed the restoration of the North-South railway, connecting the rail connection point at Km446+885 in Quang Binh province. And on December 31, 1976, we organized the operation of 2 pairs of unified trains.

The pair of trains named "Reunification Train" spreads love for the country - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Promoting that tradition, we want to spread the spirit of National Reunification Day, sending a message that we are living in peace and happiness, so we must cherish the independence and freedom that generations of our ancestors sacrificed their blood to regain," said Mr. Dang Sy Manh.

Passengers receive gifts on this occasion - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

For the Vietnamese people, the image of the "Reunification Train" connecting the North and South has long been a sacred symbol of peace, of the aspiration for national independence and the joy of complete reunification. With the desire to recreate the heroic atmosphere of the day of national reunification, to pay tribute to previous generations and to educate the younger generation about patriotism, on the occasion of the April 30 - May 1 holiday this year, Vietnam Railways Corporation organized the running of a pair of trains named "Reunification Train".

Da Nang residents wave goodbye to the Reunification train - Photo: VGP/Luu Huong

Accordingly, train SE1 departs from Hanoi station at 20:55 on April 29 and arrives at Saigon station at 6:50 on May 1; train SE4 departs from Saigon station at 19:00 on April 29 and arrives at Hanoi station at 5:40 on May 1. The two trains are specially decorated with the theme "Reunification Railway - A united country", aiming to spread national pride, solidarity and the desire for innovation and creativity of Vietnamese enterprises.

Passengers on the "Reunification Train" were immersed in the festive atmosphere with special art programs, including revolutionary songs and musical pieces praising the homeland and country.

Luu Huong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/da-nang-ruc-ro-co-hoa-don-doan-tau-thong-nhat-102250430145952126.htm