Happiness is being Vietnamese: When memories are the fire that fuels pride

In the endless flow of history, there are people who quietly pass through the times, carrying with them the memories of a resilient nation. They are the most vivid witnesses of the 80-year journey of the country rising from the ashes of war to the radiant autumns of today.

Memories of a lifetime in the history of the country

In the early autumn days, when the streets are filled with flags and flowers, the red of the national flag fluttering in the sun, and people are happily looking forward to the 80th National Day Anniversary, in a small corner of Hanoi , Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong quietly turns the pages of his memories. Born in 1945 - the year President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, Mr. Cuong carries within him vivid memories of a generation that grew up with the mission of fully protecting the two words Independence.

Uncle Cuong joined the army in 1963, when he was just 18 years old. From an artillery soldier, he was selected to go to the Soviet Union to study missile engineering - one of the most modern military fields at that time - and then returned, directly contributing to fierce battles to protect the Fatherland's sky.

The most profound mark in his life was the 12-day and night campaign “ Dien Bien Phu in the air” in 1972. When Hanoi was covered in B52 carpet bombs, artillery soldiers like him fought so fiercely, both bravely and creatively, that even Soviet military experts were impressed. “The Vietnamese people are inherently very brave, creative and adapt very quickly,” Uncle Cuong asserted. It was that resounding victory that forced the US to sign the Paris Agreement in 1973, paving the way for the reunification of the country.

Writers involved in economic development

Returning after the country was reunified in 1975, soldier Dinh Ngoc Truc chose the path of study. Born in 1956, the young man was 19 years old at that time, full of enthusiasm for dedication. Along with many of his comrades studying Russian or French, he chose English. After years of diligent study, that foreign language brought him to journalism, managing and guiding foreign reporters, contributing to connecting Vietnam with international friends during the period of the country's opening up.

The war is over but Ms. Ngoc Truc continues with new "missions" (Source: SHB)

One of the memories that Uncle Truc cherishes the most is the rare time he accompanied General Vo Nguyen Giap in an international interview. When a foreign reporter asked: "In the past, Vietnam fought against the US, so now that the US has lifted the embargo, how do you feel?" - The General calmly replied: "If in the past you came to us with weapons, we welcomed you with weapons. But now, you come with economic contracts, we welcome you with friendly gestures." That simple yet tolerant answer is something Uncle Truc will always remember, it shows the stature of an outstanding general who spent his whole life in military command, but always put peace and cooperation above all else.

Uncle Truc is proud to witness the country changing day by day, from brutal war to integration and development. “I am very proud! The Vietnamese people are not only good at fighting but also good at doing business. Now, the responsibility of the younger generation is to continue the tradition of their ancestors, promoting that spirit to bring the country forward,” Uncle Ngoc Truc said.

“Happiness is being Vietnamese” becomes a tribute

If Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong carries within him the memories of a generation that won independence, the story of Mr. Dinh Ngoc Truc, a former anti-aircraft artillery soldier, opens up a slice of a post-war generation that entered peace, choosing the path of knowledge to cultivate freedom. The war has long since ended, but the heroic memories are still vivid in their minds. Although they were just ordinary soldiers among millions of comrades in the past, they together wrote indelible pages of history with blood, sweat and youth.

Uncle Cuong and Uncle Truc are also two of the characters who will appear in the film series "Memories" produced by SHB Bank in the campaign "Happiness is being Vietnamese" to spread national pride on the special occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day.

With this campaign, SHB wishes to become a bridge, sending to today's generation simple yet profound messages from historical witnesses: that happiness is living in peace, and when saying "I am Vietnamese", it is not just an introduction, but also a pride forged from history and the aspiration to rise of the whole nation.

Within the framework of the campaign, SHB and the public listen to very real, very real stories of people who have grown up with the country through ups and downs. Each character is a "living archive", a bridge between the past and the present. Through authentic footage, simple narratives and vivid images, SHB hopes to bring history closer to today's generation so that each person can better understand the difficult journey that the nation has gone through, thereby appreciating the value of peace and having a deeper awareness of the responsibility to preserve and develop the country for the future.

Not only stopping at stories, on the occasion of the National Day, SHB respectfully sends gratitude to customers born in 1945 or whose birthday coincides with Independence Day with meaningful gifts. In particular, for citizens born on September 2, 1945, SHB presents the entire collection "Happiness is being Vietnamese" as a symbol of the sacred connection between the journey of the Fatherland and the life of each person, growing up and maturing together in the era of independence and freedom.

40,000 gifts SHB gives to thank customers on the occasion of the national holiday.

At the same time, SHB also offers every customer the opportunity to own a commemorative gift set through daily financial transactions, including T-shirts, cloth bags, bandanas, thermoses, lanyards, etc. These are gifts that are both convenient and associated with the spirit of pride in 80 years of Independence.

Along with this is a series of interactive activities in person and online such as designing T-shirts in personal style, checking in at historical sites, sharing family memories... creating a space for the young generation growing up in peace like Gen Z, Gen Alpha to express their patriotism together. Through that, the past and the present are connected, affirming that "Happiness is being Vietnamese" is not just a slogan, but a flow that continues through many generations.

SHB representative said that with meaningful gifts and a series of emotional activities, SHB not only sends sincere gratitude to those who have lived through history, but also wishes to spread patriotism and national pride to all generations.

“That journey is the connection between memories and the present, between ordinary people and great values, so that each National Day is not only a national holiday, but also a moment for every Vietnamese person to pause, look back to their roots and move forward with faith, aspiration and a Vietnamese heart that is always burning with love,” the SHB representative emphasized.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/doi-song/hanh-phuc-la-nguoi-viet-nam-khi-ky-uc-la-ngon-lua-hon-duc-tu-hao-i778814/