Gratitude shines as Hanoi welcomes veterans for 80th National Day celebrations

THE HANOI TIMES — These days, the five-story house of Tran Trung Kien on Hao Nam Street, Hanoi, has become lively with the presence of 35 veterans from across the country.

For veteran Phan Van Minh, 67, of the Cor ethnic group from Quang Ngai Province, this is his very first trip to Hanoi to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2).

Arriving in the capital last week to attend the parade rehearsals, he was surprised and moved by how warmly Hanoi residents welcomed him, speaking as if they had known him for years.

“Hanoians are thoughtful, kind, and warmhearted. I feel truly happy,” Minh said emotionally.

He also received free food and drinks from the army, which made him feel reassured.

With limited means, Minh had initially planned to “sleep anywhere” in Hanoi. Thanks to the help of volunteers, he was connected with Kien, who offered him a place in his house.

Kien has prepared free meals, beds and seats so the veterans could join the national celebrations at the best conditions. He has even given them free raincoats and umbrellas, and sent people to accompany them to the venue.

“If it becomes too crowded, we will simply lay out more mats so they can sleep together, and the atmosphere will still be cheerful,” Kien said.

“For us, this is a way to honor the generation before us, just as we would honor our own fathers,” he added.

Being a member of a family with military tradition, Kien really wants to share the burdens with the veterans.

“Even a small gesture shows our gratitude,” he said.

Similarly, Vu Thi Hai, who lives in Kim Lien Ward, on her social media has offered free meals and accommodation for veterans.

She has arranged a house on Giai Phong Road where the veterans could stay between August 31 and September 2 for the historic commemoration. Hai also pledges to provide transportation.

“If a veteran is in a wheelchair, volunteers will be there to assist,” she said.

Tran Trung Kien and Vu Thi Hai are among many people with good intention and good deeds. Their efforts have eased the hardship that veterans from other provinces and cities have carried.

Beyond individual efforts, Hanoi authorities also made special arrangements to host veterans during the 80th anniversary celebrations.

Veteran Phan Van Minh was later accommodated at the guest house under the Hanoi Department of Public Security.

Local governments and military and police bodies have also arranged the best seats for veterans to attend parade.

In Ba Dinh Ward, where hosts the main event on September 2, the government has prepared 8,000 priority seats. Meanwhile, the Hanoi Department of Public Security has arranged some 5,000 seats along the parade routes.

Hundreds of volunteers are ready to provide free supplies, water and food for people and visitors, especially the elderly, veteran, children and those with disabilities.

“On August 30, I went to Hung Vuong Street early to watch the parade rehearsal. Many of us were surprised and delighted to find seats and water reserved,” said Nguyen Van Hong, 77, a veteran from Nghe An Province.

Two veteran brothers, Nguyen Duy Thong and Nguyen Duy Thanh from Hanoi’s Hoai Duc Commune, also expressed joy at receiving convenient seats.

Both veterans were grateful for the reserved seats and free supplies. With the quality of Uncle Ho’s soldiers, they pledged to give up our seats to people with disabilities and children if needed.

Memories and sacrifices that last forever

Just days earlier, when the film Mua Do (Red Rain) depicting the 1972 Battle of Quang Tri Citadel was screened, the theater fell silent as veterans recalled their stories with tears.

“The film brought back memories of the 81 days and nights defending the citadel. My comrades still rest there, perhaps smiling in peace,” said Colonel Nguyen Van Hoi.

“The citadel is only 500 meters wide, but our battalion lost more than a thousand men. The citadel feels vast, yet filled with my comrades,” he said, choking up.

“I never thought that after 50 years we would see such a realistic portrayal,” he added.

His words carried listeners back to a heroic time, when countless young soldiers gave their lives for independence and freedom.

And today, on this great day of the nation, those memories are alive again in every step of the veterans returning to Hanoi.

“On such a joyful day, we feel truly honored. Watching the younger generation sing heroic songs and march in unison, I feel as though I have returned to my youth,” said Hoang Thi Luan, from Phu Thai Commune, Haiphong.

“The years of hard fighting in Truong Son come back more vividly than ever,” she added.

Nguyen Trong Huu, a former soldier of Regiment 236, the first missile unit of the Vietnam People’s Army, came with his wife, Chu Thi Mai, who once served in Depot 207 of the General Department of Logistics.

“Today’s atmosphere is truly exhilarating. This may be the first and also the last time I witness such a grand parade in person. I am deeply happy,” Mai said with tears, holding her husband’s hand.

For veteran Phan Kim Oanh from the northern port city of Haiphong, who served more than 13 years in the army, the parade revived her soldiering years.

“Seeing the country at peace and our children grown, I feel every sacrifice was worthwhile,” she said.

On this early autumn day, Hanoi is filled with red and yellow, the colors of the national flag. Across every street, people from all corners of the nation gather in eagerness and pride for the parade.

Among the crowd, the white hair, faded uniforms, and steady yet limping steps of veterans stand out.

As the national anthem rang out, many could not hold back tears. Heads held high, they looked proudly at the younger generation marching in unity.

Today, all Vietnamese in the country and abroad join to celebrate the memorial moment of the country, and to remember all our predecessors have done to secure our independence, sovereignty, freedom and happiness.