National Day in the hearts of our people.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Every autumn, as the vibrant red flag blankets the mountains, hills, and villages, millions of hearts turn towards National Day on September 2nd – a glorious milestone that opens a new chapter of independence and freedom. For the ethnic minority communities in the highlands and border regions of Thanh Hoa province, "Independence Day" is not only a source of national pride but also an opportunity to express profound gratitude to the Party and President Ho Chi Minh – those who brought the light of revolution to their villages, sowing the seeds of prosperity, freedom, and happiness.

Dao ethnic women in Ha Son village are resplendent in their traditional costumes as they celebrate Independence Day.

Mr. Ngan Tien Nhan, a 95-year-old Muong ethnic man with 65 years of Party membership, a former Dien Bien Phu soldier, residing in Zone 3, Hoi Xuan commune, is a rare witness who experienced the historical moments of the nation: the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the resistance against the French, and the resistance against the Americans. In 1946, Mr. Nhan participated in the "Popular Education" program at the call of President Ho Chi Minh. At only 17 years old, he volunteered to join the army, protecting the vital route to Dien Bien Phu, fighting on the outer perimeter, just 30km from Him Lam hill when the French surrendered. He was given the opportunity by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh to study, becoming a military nurse, then a Sergeant in Company 5, Thanh Hoa Armed Police (now the Border Guard), serving for over 20 years and receiving many prestigious medals and awards from the Party and the State. Despite his failing eyesight and slow gait, the flame of patriotism within him still burned brightly: "I only hope that my descendants will preserve and develop what our ancestors left behind, cherish the values ​​of freedom and independence, and contribute to building our homeland."

Labor Hero Ha Van Dan, 78 years old, a Thai ethnic minority from Hoi Xuan commune, also deeply understands the value of independence. Orphaned at the age of 5, he worked as a forestry worker in Quan Hoa until he was 17, transporting timber and bamboo from the upper reaches of the Ma, Luong, and Lo rivers down to Cua Ha (Cam Thuy) to serve the fierce battlefields such as Ham Rong Bridge and Ghep Bridge. He risked his life many times to save bamboo rafts from raging rapids, once suffering serious injuries including a fractured jaw and broken neck. He was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Badge – a priceless memento – by President Ho Chi Minh, along with many other prestigious awards from the Party and the State. He affirmed: "Thanks to the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the country has achieved independence and freedom; ethnic minorities in general and I myself have had the opportunity to study and develop, and the highland villages are becoming increasingly prosperous and happy."

Mr. Trieu Van Liu, Party Secretary and Head of Ha Son village, Pu Nhi commune, recalls that nearly 30 years ago, the Dao people on the summit of Pu Quan lived in precarious conditions, lacking food, clothing, electricity, and roads, and their children could not attend school. Responding to the call of the Party, the government, and the border guards, the first five households "descended from the mountain" to establish a new village along National Highway 15C. Now, Ha Son has 52 households and 231 inhabitants, with improved roads, electricity, and easier access to education and healthcare for children. From just a few literate people, dozens have now graduated from colleges and universities; many have become officials and civil servants. He said: "For us Dao people, independence and freedom mean enough food and clothing, light, and a bright future. From a situation where most households were poor, now only five households remain in need; many families have built houses with flat roofs and bought cars." Today, Ha Son boasts the appearance of a New Rural Area, with a thriving economy , preserved cultural identity, and unwavering trust in the Party – a solid foundation for the great unity in this border region.

The emotions of Dien Bien Phu soldier Ngan Tien Nhan, of Labor Hero Ha Van Dan, of Party branch secretary Trieu Van Liu... before the sacred value of independence, freedom and National Day on September 2nd, are also the shared heartbeat of millions of people in the highlands of Thanh Hoa province. Every Independence Day, red flags blanket the villages and border areas of Thanh Hoa; eyes filled with emotion search for memories, remembering President Ho Chi Minh, remembering his advice to unite, work hard, and study to strive for progress. That feeling – overflowing with respect and gratitude – is something sacred beyond compare.

Throughout his life, President Ho Chi Minh always held a particularly deep affection for the ethnic minority people. He considered the unity of ethnic groups to be a great strength of the national unity bloc. As early as 1945, in his letter to the ethnic minority people, he wrote: “Today, Vietnam is the common country of all ethnic groups in Vietnam… All ethnic groups are equal, all are brothers and sisters… We must love each other, help each other to progress together.” Not only through words, but throughout his revolutionary life, he visited, lived, worked, and shared the difficulties with the people in the mountainous and remote areas many times. This sincere affection of his became a warm flame, nurturing the unwavering faith of the people in the Party and in President Ho Chi Minh – the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people.

Over the past period, fulfilling the sacred testament and wishes of President Ho Chi Minh during his lifetime, the Party and State have given special attention to ethnic minorities and mountainous areas of Thanh Hoa province in particular, as well as the people of the whole country in general. From the highlands to the lowlands, major policies, practical programs and projects have penetrated deep into every village and every home, bringing with them faith, hope and opportunities for change. The people have benefited from many national target programs and socio-economic development projects and schemes of the Central Government and the province.

Currently, the mountainous and ethnic minority areas of the province comprise 77 communes, 16 of which are located along the national border. This is the common home of seven ethnic groups: Kinh, Muong, Thai, Mong, Dao, Tho, and Kho Mu, with approximately 1 million inhabitants, of which ethnic minorities account for 702,000 people (as of 2024).

Previously, remote villages lacked electricity, roads were muddy and inaccessible, many children had to drop out of school, and illnesses went untreated. Now, electricity illuminates every corner; concrete roads extend to every village; schools are spacious and welcoming; and health stations cover the entire commune, caring for community health. Infrastructure has been invested in comprehensively; social security and order are increasingly stable; and the percentage of poor and near-poor households in ethnic minority communities has steadily decreased year after year. All of this is vivid evidence of the effectiveness of the ethnic policies that the Party and State have diligently cultivated – sowing the seeds of prosperity and happiness on every mountainside and hillside of Thanh Hoa province. In this transformation, the people have come to appreciate even more the sacred value of independence, freedom, and happiness – exactly as desired by beloved President Ho Chi Minh, and also the goal chosen by the Party and State.

For the ethnic minority communities in the mountainous border regions of Thanh Hoa province, National Day on September 2nd is always meticulously prepared, like a joyful Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration. The melodious sounds of the Hmong flute and the lively "sính tiền" dance; the captivating rhythms of the Thai people's rice planting and the enchanting Khặp dance; the rich and resonant Xường singing and the resounding gongs of the Muong people... all resonate like the voice of patriotism, extending from the arduous days of resistance to the peaceful and prosperous times of today.

The sounds of National Day are not only the sounds of celebration and joy, but also a warm flame that warms the hearts of people, giving strength to the ethnic minorities in the highlands of Thanh Hoa province to overcome difficulties, rise up to build a more prosperous life, and thrive in the new era of the Fatherland. And in every radiant gaze, in every resounding song, in every red flag with a yellow star fluttering in the mountain wind... the reminder still resonates: independence and freedom are not only the achievements of our ancestors, but also the sacred responsibility of every Vietnamese person to preserve and pass on, no matter where they are.

Text and photos: Ba Phuong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/quoc-khanh-trong-trai-tim-dong-bao-258714.htm