Silent efforts ensure Hanoi’s National Day success
Amid the colorful parade, sanitation workers, police officers and young volunteers gave their quiet dedication to keeping Hanoi safe, clean and welcoming for the country’s great event.
THE HANOI TIMES — Right after the parade vehicles passed, sanitation workers rolled up their sleeves and set to work.
They swiftly swept away fallen leaves, gathered plastic bags, collected bottles and restored the streets to a cleanliness within moments.
Sanitation workers clean the streets at Giang Vo - Hao Nam - Cat Linh intersection. Photo: Cong Phuong/The Hanoi Times
The rustling of brooms blended with hurried footsteps, all moving toward the shared goal of keeping Hanoi bright, green, clean, and beautiful.
To serve the celebration of the 80th National Day on September 2, the Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited (Urenco) mobilized thousands of workers to operate at full capacity.
Environment Team No. 4, Dong Da Branch, Hanoi Urban Environment Company Limited (Urenco). Photo: Cong Phuong/ Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
They coordinated continuously with mechanical sweepers and mobile trash bins positioned along the routes to ensure central streets were clean after each wave of people left.
Nguyen Thi Nguyet, a sanitation worker at Urenco, said what they hoped for most was greater public awareness in keeping the city clean.
“When the streets are beautiful, our efforts as sanitation workers carry even more meaning,” she said.
She added that her greatest pride was contributing, even quietly, to keeping Hanoi fresh and radiant in honor of National Day.
Sharing the same sentiment, Nguyen Thi Hao, Head of Environment Team No. 1, Hai Ba Trung Branch of Urenco, said their workload was heavier than usual, particularly when rain brought more trash and standing water.
“The work is tiring, but we try our best. Seeing the capital clean for the great national day makes the fatigue fade,” she said.
Their efforts helped ensure Hanoi remained beautiful for residents and visitors during the 80th National Day celebrations.
“For us, serving the A80 event is an honor, even with the hard work day and night. We collect trash wherever it appears to keep the capital spotless for international friends,” said Nguyen Thi Hue from Environment Team No. 4, Urenco’s Dong Da Branch.
In Ba Dinh Ward, Tran Thi Hong Nhung, head of the sanitation team, noted that many families joined the cleaning effort from early morning and even prepared free drinking water for workers on duty.
Quiet contributions to shared success
Alongside sanitation efforts, many individuals, functional forces, and organizations also worked tirelessly to ensure the grand celebration unfolded smoothly.
Hanoi Police mobilized tens of thousands of officers and soldiers, establishing thousands of checkpoints around Ba Dinh Square and major streets. From late August until September 2, the entire force was on full alert, maintaining 100% strength and ready to respond to any situation.
Major Duong Van Luong, officer of the Traffic Police Department, Hung Yen Provincial Police. Photo: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times
“It is an honor to be assigned to Hanoi for this event,” shared Major Duong Van Luong from the Traffic Police Department, Hung Yen Provincial Police.
“We consider this a key mission and are determined to work closely together to build a positive image of the traffic police force in the eyes of the public and international friends.”
Meanwhile, young soldier Le Sy Nguyen, a cadet at the Political Officer Training School, said his mission that day was to engage with the public and help present a positive image of soldiers.
Young soldier Le Sy Nguyen, cadet at the Political Officer Training School, engages with citizens alongside his comrades. Video: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times
“Every performance was not only a show but also an expression of our affection for the people who came early to watch,” he said.
Witnessing this interaction, audience member Tran Quynh Trang recalled singing together with a young soldier from the South.
“Whether from the North or the South, we shared the same heartbeat on this great national day,” she said.
Youth in the capital also played an important role in making the event warmer and more welcoming.
Thousands of union members and student volunteers arrived early, before the morning mist had lifted, to prepare for the parade.
Each had a task, from guiding crowds and directing traffic to handing out water, providing basic medical support, or simply encouraging people with friendly smiles.
Youth volunteers join in street cleaning. Photo: Thinh An/The Hanoi Times
Nguyen Huong Giang, a student at the University of Commerce, said standing among the crowds on such a significant day filled her with pride.
“When people asked for directions or help, I realized even more the importance of our presence as volunteers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Quan, a student at Phenikaa University, considered his role at grandstand B3 a valuable experience.
“Through this volunteer work, I came to understand more deeply the sacrifices of our forefathers for today’s peace. It motivates me to study harder and strive to be worthy,” he said.
Nguyen Minh Quan, student at Phenikaa University. Photo: Thinh An/The Hanoi Times
After the parade ended and the crowds began to leave, youth volunteer groups quickly moved in to clean the streets. They collected flags, plastic bags, and bottles, restoring neatness to the roads.
Nguyen Viet Hung, a member of Hai Ba Trung Ward’s youth union, said that although the work was tiring, it was rewarding.
“Contributing to such a historic day is an honor not everyone has,” he said.
From silent sanitation workers and dedicated police officers to enthusiastic young volunteers, all came together to ensure the success of the 80th National Day celebration, keeping Hanoi bright, green, clean, beautiful, and welcoming in the eyes of international friends.
