The days when the capital was adorned with flags and flowers.

This autumn, Hanoi is infused with a new vitality, a joyful and vibrant atmosphere fueled by national pride. From all corners of the country, many people have arranged their work and schedules to travel to the capital to participate in the celebrations. In their hearts, the joy of that historic April still resonates.

Cherish every moment.

Despite living and working in Da Nang , Hoang Nhat An (29 years old) still attended both A50 (commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification, April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) and A80 (commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). “Because peace is so beautiful and meaningful, I don't want to miss any occasion. I believe this is both a way to realize national pride and a way to show gratitude to the previous generation. Every time I stand under the fluttering red flag, I remember my grandfather and other soldiers who dedicated their lives to the country,” Nhat An shared.

Young people immerse themselves in the proud atmosphere of the grand celebration. Photo: VIET HUNG

Although both trips were far from home, Nhat An said she didn't encounter any difficulties, because everywhere she went she felt the warmth of the Vietnamese people. Even when people learned she was a tourist celebrating the national holiday, many proactively offered help and assistance. For An, this trip to Hanoi was more meaningful than ever, as watching the flag-raising ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visiting historical sites seemed to merge into one, and the joy of anticipating National Day permeated every heroic relic from the resistance war era.

On the first day of rehearsal for the A50 parade, Ms. Nguyen Bang (29 years old, residing in Hanoi ) arrived early and was able to stand close to the marching contingent. The feeling of happiness and the impression she had at that time remain intact to this day, prompting her to once again immerse herself in the shared joy of the whole country. She shared: “I was very moved to witness not only the officers and soldiers directly participating in the parade, but also the logistics staff, volunteer students, and children in every step. That scene is deeply etched in my heart, so I have never missed a single rehearsal of both the A50 and A80 parades.”

In recent days, Ms. Bang has always chosen the route passing by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square to feel the gradually warming atmosphere of the grand celebration. Although born and raised in Hanoi, this is the first time she has felt autumn in the capital so memorable. The road around the square is brightly decorated with flags and flowers, crowds of people enter the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum one after another, young women in ao dai dresses draped with red flags on their shoulders... Witnessing this bustling and somewhat unfamiliar capital, Ms. Bang feels a sense of excitement and indescribable emotion.

Memories that live on forever.

For many, the images of rehearsals and parades live on like a beautiful film, captivating everyone who watches and admires them. Each viewing further strengthens their national pride. Hong Ngoc (22 years old, residing in Ho Chi Minh City) shared: “If A50 was my first time participating, my first time experiencing it, then A80 was when the happiness was etched even deeper and clearer. I decided to go to Hanoi because I missed that atmosphere full of pride. Knowing in advance helped me prepare mentally and fully enjoy the beauty of peace.”

Every inch of Hanoi, once battered by bombs and bullets, is now bustling with the proud footsteps of thousands of patriotic hearts. Thanh Trang (17 years old, residing in Hanoi) recounts: “I was driving my grandmother down Doi Can Street when I heard the sound of jets overhead. She told me to stop, and I saw her crying. She said that in 1972, right on this street, she hid in a personal bunker, trembling with fear as the planes roared, both scared and worried about her parents who were on duty. But today, the planes roared just as loudly, but the streets were filled with happy and proud faces. Young men and women the same age as she was back then waved flags, their eyes eagerly looking up at the sky, watching the planes practicing for the grand ceremony. Hearing her story, I believe that the sacred moments of the A50 or A80 will live on and nourish the souls of future generations.”

Someday, when the applause has subsided, the cheers have faded, and the streets return to their usual tranquility, these days of pride will remain as a testament to a proud Vietnamese nation marching under the banner of peace. Whether in the North or the South, whether in A50, A80, or however many years to come, in the spirit of national unity, young Vietnamese people will always act and spread a patriotism that has been nurtured day by day.

GRACE

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-ngay-thu-do-rop-co-hoa-post810885.html