The aspiration to venture into space from two generations of Vietnamese people.

Lieutenant General Pham Tuan, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, and Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American female astronaut to fly into space, had their first meaningful exchange.

The exchange program took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Photo: UBNV.

On the afternoon of February 7th, at the headquarters of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, a meeting and exchange took place between Lieutenant General Pham Tuan, Hero of the People's Armed Forces – the first Vietnamese and Asian person to fly into space in 1980 as part of the Soviet Union's Interkosmos program – and Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American female astronaut to fly into space, along with young officers from the Air Defense - Air Force Command, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and students from the Diplomatic Academy.

Also attending the exchange were Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa, Deputy Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese; Mr. Nguyen Hoai Anh, Deputy Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese; and representatives from the Political Department of the Air Defense - Air Force Command.

Deputy Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, Pham Thi Kim Hoa, speaks at the exchange event. Photo: State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs.

In the warm and friendly atmosphere of the exchange, Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa emphasized the special significance of the event, as it created a meaningful meeting between two generations: from the pioneering heroes to today's young people following in their footsteps, thereby inspiring generations of Vietnamese people both at home and abroad.

Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa affirmed that the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cherishes every effort and achievement of overseas Vietnamese, considering them not only a source of pride for the overseas Vietnamese community but also a valuable resource for the country's development. The Committee always stands alongside the overseas Vietnamese community, especially young people – those who possess knowledge, courage, and aspirations to thrive in a constantly changing world . Ambassador Pham Thi Kim Hoa hopes that, wherever they may be, young people will always cherish their love for their homeland, continue to nurture their dreams, pursue knowledge, and be ready to connect with and support Vietnam in flexible, creative, and practical ways.

Speaking at the exchange event, Amanda Nguyen expressed her emotion at returning to Vietnam, sharing about her space flight, the story of bringing lotus seeds she received from the Vietnam Space Center to conduct experiments in space, as well as the congratulatory letter from the President of Vietnam sent to her after the flight.

Quoting Lieutenant General Pham Tuan's statement: "Looking down from space, our homeland is not Vietnam, Russia, or any other country, but Earth," Amanda Nguyen further explains that science and technology have given humanity this perspective. According to Amanda, science and technology are the common language of humankind, a bridge that promotes dialogue, cooperation, and healing between nations. From space, Earth appears as a "pale blue dot in the vast universe"—a unified whole where there are no dividing borders, only a community of humanity sharing the responsibility of protecting the planet and building a common future.

Hero of the Armed Forces Pham Tuan and Amanda Nguyen, the first Vietnamese-American female astronaut to fly into space, at the exchange event.

Sharing with the younger generation, Lieutenant General Pham Tuan recalled the historic flight 46 years ago (1980) and his journey from a fighter pilot in the war to today, shaking hands and having friendly conversations with international friends for peace and development.

Emphasizing President Ho Chi Minh's advice to the younger generation: "As Vietnamese, you must uphold Vietnamese traditions and fulfill your assigned duties well," Lieutenant General Pham Tuan also recounted the rigorous training exercises and dangerous situations during his flights, demonstrating the courage, discipline, and composure of pilots and astronauts. Addressing the younger generation, Lieutenant General Pham Tuan stressed the importance of self-assessment to choose the right path. He also highlighted the power of creativity in the age of artificial intelligence, considering it the key for each individual and the nation to find their own way.

Amanda Nguyen respectfully presented Lieutenant General Pham Tuan with the space flight badge she used during her space flight. On this occasion, Lieutenant General Pham Tuan also presented Amanda Nguyen with a commemorative book documenting his historic flight, as a symbol of continuity between generations of Vietnamese astronauts.

The exchange took place in a warm, sincere, and inspiring atmosphere, with many questions posed to the two guests by young officers from the Air Force, members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, students from the Diplomatic Academy, and reporters from various media outlets. The meeting between two generations of Vietnamese astronauts – one pioneering during wartime, the other continuing the legacy in the era of science and peace – sent a powerful message: Regardless of the era, with determination, thorough preparation, and national pride, Vietnamese people can absolutely reach further and contribute to the common achievements of humanity.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khat-vong-vuon-ra-khong-gian-tu-hai-the-he-nguoi-viet-nam-732804.html