Parade in the city I love

1. Amidst the colorful flags and the diligent steps of practicing for the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, the appearance of "veteran" artists in the parade formation of the Cultural - Sports Bloc (under the responsibility of Ho Chi Minh City) promises to bring a special mark.

Before joining the crowd preparing to practice the parade, People's Artist Kim Xuan clasped her hands tightly, her eyes filled with tears as she looked towards the Reunification Hall. There, on a day in early May 1975, the female student Kim Xuan - then just 19 years old, was also present and joined the parade with the female students of Saigon. In the crowd beaming with joy of victory, the young girl had an unforgettable parade in her life - the first parade after the liberation of the South.

People's Artist Kim Xuan in the Cultural - Sports parade. Photo: THANH CHIEU

That year, Kim Xuan never knew she would become an artist, and even less did she think she would one day return to this very place, in a parade again - when her hair was already gray, and when she had gone through many stages and many memorable roles. “I once sat on the grandstand celebrating the 30th anniversary of the country’s reunification, and had the honor of seeing Uncle Vo Nguyen Giap at a very close distance. Maybe in ten years I won’t have enough strength to participate in the 60th anniversary of the country’s reunification. But today, while I can still walk, while my heart is still pounding, I have to go. I have to go as a way of saying thank you,” People’s Artist Kim Xuan emotionally shared.

Honored to be one of the 46 artists participating in the parade, People's Artist Kim Xuan always arrived very early at the rehearsals, preparing everything meticulously herself. Among the flags and flowers, amidst the heroic music, was the image of People's Artist Kim Xuan - a 69-year-old artist radiant and full of enthusiasm. "For me, this is not just a parade but a milestone in my life. A beautiful memory that later, when sitting with my children and grandchildren, I can proudly recount that I once walked in the heart of the city on the 50th anniversary of national reunification, that I lived through the fierce years of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the whole city struggled, then together stood up strongly from the pain", People's Artist Kim Xuan was moved.

2. Despite the sudden rains, the artists and outstanding athletes of Ho Chi Minh City still enthusiastically practiced. Present in the parade of the Cultural - Sports Block, Miss H'Hen Nie could not hide her emotions and pride. "To have today, the day I can live, dream, and do what I love, Hen always remembers the merits of the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. Hen thinks that our young generation needs to cherish that with dedication. Dedication does not necessarily have to be something too big, but can start from the smallest things - as long as we always think about the community, society and the country", Miss H'Hen Nie confided.

Sharing with us, young man Do Minh Chau (born in 2003), currently a worker at a garment company in Nha Be district (HCMC), excitedly told about the beautiful memories during the months of marching practice. Chau carried with him a very pure excitement: "We won't be practicing anymore, I will miss it a lot..." That sentence came out gently, like a very real regret. Because for Chau, the past months of practice were not simply regular appearances on the field, but a beautiful journey, where he was a part of the country's important holiday. From Nha Be district to Le Duan street (District 1) is not a short distance, but Chau confided: "From the beginning, when I was selected to join the Workers' Bloc team, I felt it was a great honor. If it is an honor, things like traveling far, waking up early, tired legs... are nothing." Chau recounted the early days when her limbs were still awkward, "tired at night", but thanks to constant practice, she became used to it and now she is "smooth" - walking steadily, with a steady rhythm, and her eyes always looking straight ahead.

Not only Chau, but everyone in the blocks is serious and dedicated. “We always remind each other that once we are in this formation, we must do it seriously and properly. If personal matters are not too urgent, we will temporarily put them aside to focus all our efforts on practicing for the upcoming official parade,” Chau said, her eyes shining with confidence and pride.

Perhaps in the parade blocks of Ho Chi Minh City, each person has his own story, his own journey. But they all meet at the same point in common: being present in the great festival of the country. Perhaps after all, they all share the same pride: belonging to this city - a civilized, modern, and affectionate city.

THU HOAI - CAM TUYET - CAM GIANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dieu-hanh-trong-thanh-pho-toi-yeu-post792739.html