Moved by the journey of awakening memories of a Vietnamese veteran

According to a VNA correspondent in Havana, the Latin American news agency Prensa Latina expressed its appreciation and emotion when reporting on the inspiring journey of veteran Tran Van Thanh, who is traveling more than 1,200km from Vinh City (Nghe An) to Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike to attend the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

In an article published on April 24, Prensa Latina specifically emphasized the image of an old soldier in a faded military uniform, on an old motorbike, with the red flag with a yellow star fluttering throughout the journey.

Mr. Thanh's luggage was very simple: a suitcase of clothes and a box of cooking utensils.

According to Prensa Latina, the Vietnam veteran’s “rare” journey at his age has become an inspirational phenomenon. The online community has shared touching moments of his journey, constantly updated information, expressed their willingness to support him, and wished him “a safe journey.”

Prensa Latina news agency reported that Mr. Thanh (76 years old) is a veteran of Battalion K3-Tam Dao in Quang Tri province.

From 1968 to 1974, he and his comrades fought to protect Quang Tri Citadel - one of the fiercest battlefields at that time.

The Vietnamese veteran set off on April 17, traveling 150-200km each day. What was special was that he hid it from his family, only saying that he would go to Ho Chi Minh City by bus to watch the parade on the occasion of April 30.

However, now that his image is posted on social media by everyone, everyone knows where he goes.

Mr. Thanh said: “When I went to the restaurant, they didn’t take any money, and they bought me drinks. Everyone encouraged, supported, and helped me to get to Ho Chi Minh City in time for April 30.”

On the way to the South, the veteran stopped at Vinh Linh martyrs cemetery and the old battlefield of Quang Tri Citadel to burn incense in memory of his comrades who sacrificed their lives on the northern bank of Ben Hai River.

Prensa Latina quoted Mr. Thanh as saying: “I want to ride a motorbike not only to visit the old battlefields, but also to witness the development and changes of the villages, provinces and cities along the route after 50 years of national reunification. The hot weather these past few days has been a bit tiring, but I am very happy to see the scenery of my homeland and country becoming more developed and civilized.”

Mr. Thanh's emotional journey is not only a personal story, but also becomes a vivid symbol of the connection between the glorious past and the present, demonstrating the passionate patriotism and immortal spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The image of an old veteran crossing mountains and rivers to return to his comrades became a strong message about the enduring vitality of revolutionary heroism, moving and admiring Latin American readers./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/xuc-dong-voi-hanh-trinh-danh-thuc-ky-uc-cua-nguoi-cuu-binh-viet-nam-post1034910.vnp