Young Vietnamese people with patriotism in their genes and national pride in their hearts.

These days, as the whole country joyfully celebrates the 80th anniversary of National Day, everywhere is filled with the red color of the national flag. From the alleys, porches, to large squares, flags and flowers flutter in joy. Millions of people watch the military parade, many cultural and artistic programs take place enthusiastically, and on social networks, love for the country is expressed through sharing lines, images and proud messages.

That atmosphere once again affirmed that patriotism is always the red thread connecting generations of Vietnamese people. That love is the presence of gratitude towards those who have fallen for Independence-Freedom-Happiness today.

The patriotic genes of the Vietnamese people

The patriotism of the Vietnamese people has its roots in thousands of years of history of building and defending the country. From the early days of the nation's founding, that spirit was fostered through resistance wars against foreign invaders, when the people united under the banner of independence to protect every inch of land, preserving culture and national identity.

Immortal literary works such as “Nam quoc son ha” (Proclamation of Victory over the South) of the Ly Dynasty, “Binh Ngo dai cao” ( Proclamation to the People) of the Le Dynasty, or “Hich tuong si” (Proclamation to the Soldiers) of the Tran Dynasty are all evidence of the indomitable will, affirming the sovereignty and aspiration for freedom of the nation. In the flow of history, whenever the country is in danger, patriotism becomes the rallying force, helping the nation overcome challenges.

Over the centuries, from the time of fighting against the Yuan-Mongol invaders, fighting against the Ming army, to the two long resistance wars against the French and the Americans, patriotism has always been expressed through the selfless sacrifice of many generations. Millions of Vietnamese people have fallen so that the country can have today's independence, freedom, peace and development.

President Ho Chi Minh once affirmed: “Our people have a passionate love for the country. That is our precious tradition.” That teaching remains valuable today, enlightening generations in the journey of nation building.

Entering the era of integration and development, Vietnamese patriotism continues to be expressed in many new ways, closely linked to the rhythm of modern life. If in history, patriotism was demonstrated by taking up arms and going to war, today, it exists in the labor, creativity, study and social responsibility of each citizen.

Millions of hearts beat together 'patriotically'

Across the country, from urban to rural areas, concrete manifestations of patriotism can be easily seen. They are farmers who work hard to ensure food security. They are workers in industrial zones who produce day and night, creating products for daily life and export. They are intellectuals, engineers, and doctors who strive to research and innovate to bring the country up to date with the era of science and technology.

The red flag with yellow star is present everywhere. (Photo: Minh Anh/Vietnam+)

On major holidays, such as National Day September 2 this year, patriotism is even more strongly multiplied. Millions of hearts beat together, towards the Fatherland. Art programs, exhibitions, and parades are not only cultural and political events, but also an opportunity for people to express their attachment to the country, recall its glorious history and the responsibility to preserve its achievements.

On many major streets in Hanoi, the image of long lines of people patiently waiting from early morning to watch the parade has become a clear demonstration of patriotism. Regardless of the harsh sun or sudden rain, they still stand still, their eyes following every step of the soldiers, every passing parade car. National pride is expressed in every round of applause, every sparkling eye when watching the national flag flutter.

Another touching image is of old men with white hair still going out in the street early in the morning. Just seeing the national flag flying in the square, seeing the proud steps of the army, is enough to warm their hearts. For them, patriotism is not only the memory of comrades, of the years of war, but also the firm belief in the future of the country.

Even in everyday life, patriotism is expressed in many simple ways. People hang red flags with yellow stars in front of their houses, clean the streets, decorate the family altars – because every Vietnamese family has at least one person who died for peace… all of these create a sacred, solemn space that unites the community.

Never before have revolutionary epics revived as strongly as they do now. From songs that have stood the test of time to newly released million-view hits, from small stages to concerts gathering 20,000 to 50,000 people, from singers to audiences, all are connected, blending into one sacred sound of love for the homeland and country.

Meanwhile, on social networks such as Facebook, Zalo, Instagram, etc., a wave called “Pride in Vietnam” is also flowing. Young people have simultaneously “covered” social networks in red by changing their profile pictures, cover photos, posting content, images, and videos expressing pride in the national flag, in the country’s achievements, and using the hashtags #TuhaoVietNam, #hoabinhdeplam as a way to express respect and gratitude to the country, to generations of fathers and brothers who have fallen for today’s independence and freedom.

Those actions, when combined, have turned National Day into a great festival for the whole nation.

Patriotism through beautiful actions

Through concrete actions, across the country, the young generation has carried out many volunteer programs to serve the National Day celebration, donate blood, build new rural areas, support disadvantaged areas, etc.

There are groups of young people who have worked hard to restore images recording historical moments or portraits of soldiers that have faded over time, then give them to relatives or museums, as a thank you to previous generations. Or there are people who are willing to open their homes, welcoming veterans from far away to Hanoi to attend the parade... These are beautiful stories that have been spreading recently.

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Mr. Tran Trung Kien (top photo, right) welcomes veterans to the capital. (Photo: FBNV)

Located in a small alley on Hao Nam Street (Hanoi), Tran Trung Kien's house is bustling these days with the presence of many veterans from all over the provinces and cities. The former soldiers are welcomed here to eat, stay and rest completely free of charge.

“When I saw veterans from far away coming to Hanoi without a place to stay, I decided to open my house to welcome them, provide food and accommodation, and support their transportation. Welcoming them, I saw the image of my father - a veteran who had passed away,” Kien shared.

Accompanying Mr. Kien are members of the volunteer group. Every day, they clean up the place where they eat and live, and take the elderly to visit the "red addresses" of the revolutionary tradition in the capital.

Veteran Phan Ba Nong (84 years old, from Ha Tinh), a third-class disabled veteran who used to drive a tank and self-propelled artillery, could not hide his emotions when talking about his journey to Hanoi. “I arrived at Hang Co station on the evening of August 30, not knowing where I would stay, but luckily the locals directed me to Kien’s house. When I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and met my comrades, it was very emotional,” Mr. Nong expressed.

Priority area for veterans to watch the parade. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

Similarly, Mr. Hoang Ly Hung, owner of a homestay chain in Hoan Kiem, also reserved many rooms to welcome war veterans.

“My accommodation receives a large number of bookings, mainly young people with good incomes and easy payment, which makes me think of the veterans. More than anyone else, they are the ones who long to go to the parade to see the glory of history, to see their own image in it. With that in mind, I decided to keep a separate room fund to give away for free to the veterans,” Mr. Hung confided.

That patriotism moved even foreign friends. Reporter Tania Georieva from the Duma News Agency (Bulgaria) was very impressed when she came to cover the parade.

“I was very surprised by the atmosphere on all the streets of Hanoi these days when witnessing the people's feelings towards the parades and marching forces,” said Tania Georieva.

This is the first time reporter Tania Georieva has participated in covering the parade and march in Vietnam. She affirmed that she will join international reporters in strongly spreading the passionate patriotic feelings and emotions of the Vietnamese people and images of a beautiful, united, strong, and confident Vietnam in the new era./.