At that time, former Deputy Head of the Propaganda Department of the Quang Binh Provincial Party Committee (formerly) Doan Thi was a musician of the Provincial Military Art Troupe, just 28 years old. Flipping through the photo of the musicians of the troupe playing the National Anthem at Con Stadium (Dong Son Ward, former Quang Binh Province, now Dong Hoi Ward, Quang Tri Province) at the National Day rally (September 2, 1975), he could not help but be moved. He still clearly remembered that he was assigned to play the violin, artist Thai Son played the cello, artist Manh Dat played the accordion, artist Huu Hiep played the clarinet, artist Huu Riem played the drums... Although only a few members appeared in the photo, the scene of that day was still clearly recreated in his mind.
To celebrate the first National Day after the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee decided to organize a rally at the Con Stadium. The Provincial Military Art Troupe was assigned the task of playing the National Anthem with an orchestra. This very important task made the artists nervous, worried, and worked hard to practice for a whole week, wondering how to make the National Anthem of the best quality when it was played. During the fierce war, despite facing many difficulties, the troupe was cared for by the Provincial Military Committee, so it was equipped with almost all musical instruments, from flutes, drums, clarinets to violins, cellos, etc. The black suits were given to the members to preserve in advance, so everyone looked serious and neat.
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| Scene of the rally celebrating National Day September 2, 1975 in Dong Hoi Town - Photo: DOCUMENT |
On the day of the rally, the atmosphere was bustling and joyful, from early morning, people from all directions eagerly poured into Cong stadium with flowers and banners in hand. Mr. Doan Thi emotionally recalled that right after the delegates and people settled down, the musicians began to play the national anthem in a solemn and emotional atmosphere. The solemn music resounded in the space of independence, freedom, and the country reunited, making everyone proud. To have this moment, how much sweat and blood of compatriots and soldiers had been shed to protect every inch of the sacred land of the Fatherland. Now at the age of nearly 80, Mr. Doan Thi still never forgets that moment, reminding him throughout his career to always strive to be worthy of the sacrifice of his predecessors.
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thi (83 years old, Dong Hoi ward) shed tears when remembering the rally at Con stadium when celebrating the first National Day after liberation. Her husband, former Deputy Secretary of Dong Hoi City Party Committee, former Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Quang Binh province (old) Nguyen Giap, was working far from home at that time, so she was alone working hard in the fields and taking care of her young children. From early morning, the women of Ly Ninh commune (old) excitedly invited each other to walk to Con stadium. At that time, those who had bicycles rode bicycles, while most walked. Although the road was far, the atmosphere was joyful and exciting, the flow of people from everywhere to the stadium grew more and more, people walked and chatted loudly.
Mrs. Thi still remembers the scene of herself walking and crying in emotion. She was happy for independence, happy for unification but could not stop mourning her brother who had died in the war, not having time to enjoy peace . Arriving at the stadium, the atmosphere was jubilant, layers of people gathered, but still very orderly and disciplined. Right after the National Anthem was played by the musicians of the Provincial Military Art Troupe, the representative of the provincial leadership read an emotional speech about the first National Day after liberation, reviewing the glorious history of the nation. At the end of the rally, people marched around the stadium and then dispersed to the intersections in joy and excitement. The atmosphere of Independence Day continued to spread to every street and alley of the town.
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| Hai Lang people filled bomb craters and restored land for production after the complete liberation of the South and national reunification - Photo: QUANG TRI PROVINCIAL MUSEUM |
In Quang Tri province (old), the first Independence Day after liberation had a special meaning. The land that had been divided and suffered so much pain during the war years had returned to its original form and National Day in 1975 was the milestone to remember that sacred moment. Former Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Tri province (old) Nguyen Minh Ky emotionally recalled that in 1975, he was Secretary of the Dong Ha City Party Committee and the memory of celebrating the first Independence Day in his homeland was still intact.
He said that after the liberation, Quang Tri in general and Dong Ha in particular were severely affected, and people's lives faced many difficulties, but the atmosphere of celebrating National Day did not lose its excitement and sacredness. In the conditions allowed, many exciting and meaningful commemorative activities were organized, both to celebrate National Day and to strengthen solidarity, love and sharing among the people of Quang Tri.
Half a century has passed, but the echoes of Independence Day 1975 have never faded in the memories of Quang Tri people. Since then, the values of independence and freedom have continued to be maintained, preserved and spread a strong message to future generations.
Mai Nhan
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/chinh-tri/202509/nho-quoc-khanh-dau-tien-sau-giai-phong-b0b3436/
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