Homeland in ailing hearts

THE HANOI TIMES — While millions across the country eagerly watched the parade and march today [September 2], another “frontline”, the hospital wards and white corridors, was just as lively.

National anthem filled hospital halls

At Bach Mai Hospital, large screens were set up in the auditorium and even outside in the courtyard so that patients and their families could follow every dignified step of the parade as it passed the ceremonial platform.

In many other hospitals, mobile phones and tablets became “small windows” bringing patients closer to the pride of the nation.

By 6 AM, the main hall and courtyard of Bach Mai Hospital were already filled with people. A large LED screen, installed the day before, was ready to broadcast the National Day parade live from Ba Dinh Square.

In a place usually filled with the sound of medicine carts and hurried footsteps of doctors and nurses, the solemn music of the military band and the steady rhythm of marching soldiers echoed, along with the sacred notes of the national anthem.

As the strains of the national anthem ‘Marching Song’ filled the air, the hospital seemed to pause. Many patients stood up. Some, with IV drips still attached to their hands, fixed their eyes on the screen and quietly sang along, their voices trembling with emotion.

An elderly man placed his hand on his chest, mouthing each line even though his hearing had faded with age. Others lifted their phones to record the moment, as if to keep a reminder for themselves that even amid illness, they could still share in the nation’s proudest celebration.

Le Van Tuan, 78, a patient from Nghe An receiving treatment at the Cardiology Department, said with tears in his eyes: “I once served as a soldier. Today, even in the hospital, watching this parade makes me feel as though I am reliving those days of marching. Seeing our army so strong and proud gives me the strength to overcome my illness.”

For those unable to leave their wards, small televisions were set up so no one would miss this important national event. Many patients wept as the anthem played. For them, even a few minutes of watching felt like a precious gift, a reminder that they were not alone.

White walls, red hearts

No large screens like in Bach Mai, the atmosphere in many other hospitals was just as vibrant. At Tan Trieu Campus of the National Cancer Hospital, as the parade began, music streamed through phones in every corridor. Patients and their families gathered in small groups, following the troops’ steady steps across the ceremonial platform on their smartphones.

Phan Thi Nu, 68, undergoing treatment for breast cancer, whispered as her eyes stayed fixed on the screen: “Watching the soldiers march past fills me with joy. It has been such a long time since I felt this proud. Even in illness, my heart is still with the homeland.”

At Viet Duc Hospital, some patients used tablets to share screens with those lying nearby. A phone propped up on a bedside table allowed two patients to watch together, recalling childhood memories: “I remember my grandfather once took me to Hoan Kiem Lake to see a parade.” In rooms usually marked by pain, the celebration eased worries and lit a spark of hope in many eyes.

“We call this the September 2 spirit medicine, and it truly works,” a patient at Bach Mai said with a smile. This year’s parade became a source of comfort, a spiritual anchor, and an emotional balm for those living on the fragile line between suffering and recovery.

With every soldier’s step on the screen, they saw the heartbeat of the nation. And in their own eyes, weariness gave way to a red glow of pride, homeland in their hearts, and an unyielding will to live.