Songs of peace resound

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - August - autumn - the season that revives memories, milestones, and glorious achievements on the journey of national liberation. And this is also the most wonderful time for songs of peace to resound throughout the S-shaped land of Vietnam.

The song "Continuing the Story of Peace" resonated throughout the "Proud of Tradition, Continuing the Victories" exchange program organized by the Provincial Military Command in coordination with Thanh Hoa Newspaper and Radio and Television Station.

If someone were to ask: Which song has the most enduring vitality, most comprehensively portrays the journey of the struggle for independence and freedom, and conveys the greatest aspirations for peace and development of the Vietnamese nation, the answer would undoubtedly be "Tiến quân ca" (Marching Song) - the sacred national anthem of millions of "descendants of Lac and Hong".

Going back in time to September 1944, composer Van Cao sat in his cramped attic at 45 Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, concentrating intensely, pouring all his mind into sketching the musical notes on the staff, and meticulously refining the lyrics to create the timeless song "Tien Quan Ca" (Marching Song). When writing "Tien Quan Ca," composer Van Cao "had never been to the resistance zone, had never met the revolutionary soldiers in the first military training course, and did not know how they sang. He was only "thinking of a way to write a simple song that they could sing."

But then, the realities of the national liberation struggle at that time resonated deeply within him; the burning desire and belief in peace, in a brighter life and future, were conveyed through the melody and lyrics in the most authentic and natural way. Composer Van Cao himself recorded his emotional shifts during the process of perfecting this song. “The Vietnamese army marches on / The golden star flutters / Leading the nation through suffering…” No, it wasn't just the students of the anti-Japanese resistance military training course marching, nor just the soldiers in indigo uniforms pressing forward. It was an entire nation undergoing transformation. The song's title and lyrics are a continuation of “Thang Long Marching Song.”

From its initial draft, the song "Marching Song" has undergone adjustments to become the complete national anthem as it is today. When composing this song, musician Van Cao never imagined that it would become the national anthem resounding on the podium, during important national events, alongside the sacred flag-raising ceremony. No words can fully express the happiness and pride of every Vietnamese citizen when they gently place their hand on their left chest as the melody of the national anthem is played.

The stirring, spirited melody: “Fighting relentlessly for the people/ Advancing quickly to the battlefield/ Forward, together we advance!/ Our Vietnamese nation will endure!” like a drumbeat, has accompanied the nation throughout its 80-year journey, becoming a shared asset of the entire Vietnamese people. It is also the best song of peace, introducing most fully, truthfully, and vividly the country and people of Vietnam, the spirit and aspirations of Vietnam to international friends. On July 15, 2016, the family of the late composer Van Cao donated the song “Tiến quân ca” (Marching Song) to the people and the Fatherland of Vietnam.

Since the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), browsing social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube has revealed numerous patriotic songs and revolutionary/historical films that have been widely shared and enthusiastically embraced, forming trends and spreading rapidly. Some songs, though relatively new, have already proven their appeal and reach, becoming phenomena and attracting a large number of views on social media platforms, such as "Continuing the Story of Peace" and "Proud of the Soldier's Uniform." The common thread contributing to the appeal of these songs is their heroic melodies, meaningful and emotionally rich lyrics, conveying messages of patriotism, love for peace, and gratitude for the great sacrifices of previous generations.

These days, the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people beat in unison, filled with shared feelings of patriotism and immense national pride. People from all three regions of Vietnam—North, Central, and South—are looking forward to the official celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd, taking place in the thousand-year-old capital city—a city for peace. Joining the flow of cultural and artistic activities celebrating this important milestone, we witness the explosion of musical nights, grand concerts, and impressive political and artistic programs, attracting tens of thousands of attendees. From this excitement and joy, songs of pride, gratitude, and aspirations for peace and development continue to resonate in the hearts of each person...

Hoang Linh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ngan-vang-nhung-khuc-ca-hoa-binh-260148.htm