Vietnam in my heart

Every autumn, when the cool, crisp breeze gently touches the streets, Vietnamese people are filled with a sense of nostalgia and longing.

August has passed, giving way to the beginning of September, and then the whole country once again beats in unison towards a sacred holiday: National Day, September 2nd - the Independence Day of the nation. It is not only a momentous historical milestone, but also a great celebration, where millions of hearts beat as one, igniting pride, self-respect, and an undying love for the homeland.

Illustration photo: qdnd.vn

These days, from bustling cities to peaceful villages, red flags with yellow stars are everywhere. Streets are brightly lit with LED screens, banners, slogans, and fluttering flags, a testament to the enduring and immortal vitality of the Vietnamese nation. Throughout the country, crowds of people flock to the historic Ba Dinh Square, the site of a momentous event: the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Regardless of age or social class, young and old, men and women alike, everyone donned the vibrant yellow of the national flag, holding the national emblem, their eyes shining with national pride. There were elderly people with white hair, walking slowly but with radiant faces and gentle smiles, immersed in this historic atmosphere. There were children happily playing in their parents' arms, their eyes sparkling as they watched the majestic army march by. And there were young men and women in their twenties, full of life, cheering and shouting "Vietnam! Vietnam!" as the Air Force squadrons flew over the thousand-year-old capital city.

Amidst the throngs of people, the veterans—those who had lived through the war, witnessed countless losses and sacrifices—were respected by the people and the younger generation. They were given priority so they could sit closer and see more clearly the marching formations. This small but heartwarming gesture was a silent expression of gratitude, a message from today's generation to their elders: "We will always remember and be grateful for your sacrifices."

This year's Independence Day celebration is even more special as the Government is giving each citizen a financial assistance to celebrate Independence Day joyfully and completely. These banknotes not only have material value, but also represent the affection and care of the Party and the State for the people, so that everyone can share in the great joy of the nation.

Along with that, the image of soldiers carrying bottles of cool water, loaves of bread, packets of dried food, and pastries to hand out to the people while they waited to watch the parade became a heartwarming moment. These simple yet loving gestures further highlighted the close relationship between the army and the people, just as President Ho Chi Minh once advised: "The army and the people are like fish and water."

Among the throngs of people pouring into Ba Dinh Square were families who had traveled from other provinces, staying up all night to be there early in the morning. There were elderly men and women in wheelchairs, being helped by their children and grandchildren to the square just to witness the majestic army marching past the ceremonial platform. They waited not only to see the ceremony, but also to experience the heroic and sacred atmosphere of the nation, to have their hearts once again sing the proud anthem: "Vietnam - Independence - Freedom."

The moment the military march music sounded, the majestic marching columns advanced past the reviewing stand, the red flag with a yellow star fluttering proudly in the morning sun, and the entire square erupted in emotion. People rose, waving flags and cheering with tears of joy. These were tears of pride, gratitude, and appreciation for the generations who sacrificed their lives to achieve the peace we enjoy today.

September 2nd is not just a commemorative day, but a reminder to every Vietnamese citizen of their responsibility to the Fatherland. Living in peace today, we must all the more cherish, preserve, and continue our traditions. Patriotism is not something distant, but is present in the way we live with compassion, sharing, unity, and solidarity, as the Russian writer Ilya Ehrenburg once wrote , "A stream flows into a river, the river flows into the great Volga, and the Volga flows into the sea. Love for home, village, and homeland becomes love for the Fatherland." From simple actions – giving up one's seat to the elderly, caring for the wounded, helping the vulnerable – to great efforts in work, study, and contribution, all contribute to the strength of Vietnam.

Eight decades have passed since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square. Today, Vietnam has risen strongly, becoming a modernized, dynamic, and aspirational nation. We have the right to be proud of our heroic and indomitable people; the right to believe in the bright future of our country; and above all, the responsibility to keep that flame of patriotism burning forever in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.

If given the choice, I would still choose to be Vietnamese – to be part of the crowds on National Day, to hold the national flag in my hands, and to call out "homeland" with all the love and national pride I have for my country.

Throughout the streets today, in the hearts of millions of people, the flame of patriotism burns brightly, spreading and merging together into an endless symphony—a symphony of national pride, of the spirit of independence and freedom, of a Vietnam that will shine brightly for generations to come.

People's Army Newspaper

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/viet-nam-trong-trai-tim-toi-post881078.html