An unforgettable day

On September 2, the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day not only left a special impression in the hearts of millions of people, but was also an unforgettable experience for journalists; an opportunity for reporters to demonstrate their professional spirit, initiative and courage in their work.

The day before the ceremony, we joined the crowds on the bustling streets of Nguyen Thai Hoc, Tran Phu, Hoang Dieu... Here, many families brought folding chairs, food, and thin blankets, preparing for the long night of waiting.

Without press credentials, I chose to pose as a spectator, arriving early to find a good spot. Around 1 PM on September 1st, I was on Chu Van An Street, ready for a sleepless night. My only supplies were roasted rice and a bottle of water – simple, but enough to keep us going.

That afternoon, a sudden heavy rain poured down on Hanoi . People took shelter under the eaves of Chu Van An Street, Hoan Kiem Lake, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street – along the routes the parade and procession passed – sharing food and drinks with each other. Rice balls with sesame seeds and salt, longan fruit, or slices of sweet potato were passed around, accompanied by warm invitations, making the atmosphere even more heartwarming.

Many people, unable to hide their exhaustion, had to lie down and rest on makeshift tarpaulins spread out on street corners. Having never had to sleep outdoors like this before, and also carrying a camera and phone, I tried to stay awake to ensure my safety. Seeing this, my neighbor from Nghe An province occasionally reminded me, "Take a nap to regain your strength; we'll watch your things for you," but I still couldn't fall asleep.

That night, everyone took turns staying awake to watch over the belongings. In the pouring rain, hundreds of strangers from many different provinces and cities became close and bonded, like members of one big family.

On the morning of September 2nd, to the sound of stirring music, troops marched into Ba Dinh Square in solemn formation, then fanned out across the streets. The atmosphere was vibrant, thousands of red flags fluttered, and cheers echoed throughout the area. Amidst the crowds, everyone expressed pride and emotion at witnessing this sacred moment in history.

For journalists, it's also a precious professional moment – ​​when they can both fulfill their duty of capturing images and sounds of the event and feel the immense spiritual strength from the community.

The parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd not only affirmed the strength of unity and the people's faith in the Fatherland, but also helped journalists better understand the value and responsibility of their profession. From meticulous preparation and flexible adaptation to difficult working conditions to the experience of working closely with the people, all of these have become invaluable practical lessons.

For journalists, this event highlights the demands for patience, courage, and a willingness to overcome difficulties. Besides delivering information quickly and accurately, reporters also contribute to spreading positive and humane values ​​within the community.

The 80th anniversary celebration of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd in Hanoi was not only a special political and cultural event, but also a memorable day for millions of attendees; an opportunity to affirm the role of journalism in recording and disseminating the sacred moments of the nation. A challenging day of reporting became a life-changing experience, further nurturing our faith and aspirations, as we carry the mission of providing information to readers in the most objective and truthful way possible.

HA NGUYEN - TIEN CUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mot-ngay-khong-the-quen-post811407.html