The venue at the Reunification Hall connected with many localities in the "Glorious Name of the Great Leader" program.
Ho Chi Minh City.
His name was once again invoked in a special political and artistic program commemorating the 50th anniversary of Saigon - Gia Dinh city being honored with the name of President Ho Chi Minh. A rare, large-scale live television broadcast connected many locations from the Reunification Palace, Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Tam Thang Square, Binh Duong, Con Dao - now all under the umbrella of Ho Chi Minh City - to Cam Ranh Naval Port, and even extending to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi.
It's not simply about geographical distance being shortened by television technology.
It is a journey that connects the nation's memories.
Connecting the past with the present.
Connecting millions of hearts, all hướng towards Him.
The overarching theme of the program – "A Journey Named After Uncle Ho" – told through music , images, and historical glimpses of a city that was never allowed to rest after liberation.
Fifty years ago, the war ended, but countless new challenges began. The city embarked on a process of healing and reconstruction amidst immense difficulties. Then it became a major rear base when the southwestern border was engulfed in flames, and when fulfilling its international duty in Cambodia. The years of hardship under the subsidy system, the rationing seasons, the charitable transport services… and then the days when the COVID-19 pandemic cast its shadow over every street.
The program featured elaborately staged songs praising the homeland, the country, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Through every crisis, Ho Chi Minh City has never lost its resilience.
Never lose heart or loyalty.
And today, that city embarks on a new aspiration - to build a modern, integrated megacity, where young people, entrepreneurs, scientists, and creative individuals continue to write new chapters in history.
What gives the program its weight is not only the idea but also the people behind it.
Those were thousands of officers, soldiers, and youth union members who diligently trained for months.
These are the naval soldiers who are guarding the nation's seas and skies day and night at Cam Ranh Naval Port; the image of the submarine named Ho Chi Minh City, and the ships named Ba Ria - Vung Tau, silently sailing the open sea, as a testament to the sacred sovereignty of the country.
It also features the participation of many scientists, researchers, and cultural figures such as Trinh Quang Phu, Pham Hong Tung, Ha Minh Hong, Pham Chanh Truc, etc., bringing historical depth to an art program.
The hosts Quỳnh Trâm, Tấn Tài, Ngọc Quý, and Việt Hà have become emotional bridges, connecting millions of viewers in front of the screen.
Alongside familiar voices like Van Khanh, Khanh Ngoc, Dao Mac, etc., the emergence of young artists from the 90s and 2000s generations brings new vitality, showing that the flame of tradition is being passed on naturally and with great hope.
Perhaps that's why the program didn't just stop at television broadcasts.
It spread rapidly across digital platforms and social media, reaching millions of Vietnamese people both at home and abroad.
Memories were awakened.
Pride is shared.
Love for the city is amplified by the technology of the new era.
That night also included a detail that moved many people.
Just before the opening ceremony, it started raining heavily.
Everyone was anxious.
Amidst the space of the Reunification Palace – a place that witnessed the blood and sacrifice of generations of revolutionary soldiers – someone silently clasped their hands and prayed to the heroic martyrs to bless the program.
Strangely, a few minutes later, the rain subsided and then stopped completely.
No one dared to explain it.
Each person holds onto their own belief.
That on this land there will always be the presence of those who fell so that today the country could be at peace.
I didn't sit in the stands. I chose to wander among the crowd.
Right here, 51 years ago, Tank 390 rammed through the iron gates of the Independence Palace, ushering in a historic moment for the nation. The "Determined to Fight, Determined to Win" flag flew atop the palace, signaling the reunification of the country.
Having lived in Ho Chi Minh City for over half a century, I have witnessed countless changes.
From roads still bearing the scars of war to brightly lit avenues.
From houses with corrugated iron roofs to skyscrapers reaching high into the sky.
From the days when the entire city carefully rationed every kilogram of rice to becoming one of the most dynamic economic centers in the country.
Every step in the city's growth bears the imprint of his name.
And therefore, the name Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a place name.
That's an ideal.
A belief.
A reminder of each generation's responsibility to the country.
The program's success further affirms the talent and dedication of People's Artist Le Thuy - the general director of many large-scale live televised political and artistic programs. He is not only a talented artist but also a member of the Standing Committee of the Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs and Wounded Soldiers in Ho Chi Minh City, always devoting much of his passion to programs honoring history.
Then fireworks simultaneously lit up the sky from many different locations. Countless sparks of light bloomed across the sky like flowers of peace.
It wasn't just the grand finale of an art show. It was an invaluable spiritual gift for millions of city residents.
Fifty years bearing the name of Uncle Ho. A journey long enough to look back on. But it is also only the starting point for greater aspirations.
It was late at night.
The crowd was reluctant to leave. And I, amidst that sea of people, suddenly felt a quietude when I heard two familiar words echoing somewhere: Ho Chi Minh City. A name. A source of pride. Radiant yesterday.
Radiant today. And will continue to shine brightly on the journey into the future.
Source: Literature of Ho Chi Minh City
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Source: https://htv.vn/rang-ro-ten-nguoi-222260703111754196.htm
