Vietnam National Day - a bridge connecting overseas Vietnamese around the world

THE HANOI TIMES — Far from a significant political event, Vietnam's National Day, celebrated on September 2, serves as a powerful bridge that brings overseas Vietnamese communities together across the globe, fostering pride in cultural heritage and a shared national identity.

The meaningful and creative initiatives organized by overseas Vietnamese communities worldwide reflect their heartfelt desire to integrate into their host societies without ever forgetting their roots.

Amidst the ongoing process of global integration, their enduring connection to the homeland stands as a vivid testament to the power of great national unity. Wherever they may be, oversea Vietnamese remain steadfast companions on the country’s path of growth and development.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, The Hanoi Times spoke with overseas Vietnamese and heard their reflections, sentiments, and hopes for the Fatherland from afar.

Nguyen Dinh Le Duy, Member of the Vietnamese Students Association in Budapest, Hungary: A second Lunar New Year for overseas Vietnamese in Hungary

In Hungary, home to a Vietnamese community, we embrace and celebrate the National Day with heartfelt enthusiasm. This year holds special significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Hungary - a reflection of the enduring friendship and shared history between the two countries.

For many Vietnamese abroad, the National Day is affectionately known as "a second Tet" (Vietnamese traditional Lunar New Year celebration). While celebrations overseas may be more modest than in Vietnam, the spirit of patriotism and pride remains as strong as ever.

In Hungary, the Vietnamese community works closely with the Vietnamese embassy to organize meaningful commemorations, including a solemn flower offering ceremony at the Monument of President Ho Chi Minh in Zalaegerszeg.

The statue was put up on April 30, 1976, one year after Vietnam was reunified. It is the only full-body outdoor statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Central Eastern Europe. The statue is cared for by the local government and people.

In addition, numerous cultural events are held, including Tet celebrations and the "Spring Fragrance of Vietnam" program organized by the Vietnamese Students Association in collaboration with the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary, drawing enthusiastic participation from the entire Vietnamese community in Hungary, especially the youth.

The community also gathers at Tue Giac Pagoda, a sacred place built by the overseas Vietnamese, where they attend Buddhist holidays and reflect on their shared heritage.

Even when celebrated far from home, Vietnam's National Day remains a vital occasion for the overseas Vietnamese to preserve their cultural identity, nurture unity, and strengthen their connection to the fatherland.

It serves as a powerful message to younger generations: wherever you are in the world, the love for the fatherland remains an eternal flame that never fades.

Nguyen Thi Lien, Head of the Vietnamese Language Club in Malaysia: Spreading love for the homeland and the Vietnamese language

Vietnam’s National Day (September 2) falls just days after Malaysia’s own National Day (August 31), making this a special and eagerly awaited period for both countries. This year is particularly meaningful as Vietnam and Malaysia have recently elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (November 2024).

In Malaysia, the Vietnamese community often celebrates National Day in advance. On this occasion, Vietnamese expats from various provinces and regions gather at the embassy to participate in solemn flag-raising ceremonies and community celebrations.

The Vietnam-Malaysia Friendship Association has organized a series of meaningful events in honor of the holiday, including the launch of the Ao Dai Design Project, a cultural parade co-organized with the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur that features Vietnamese Ao Dai and traditional Malaysian costumes, and the official inauguration of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in Malaysia.

One standout initiative is the Vietnamese Language Ambassadors Contest, which has attracted the participation of many second- and third-generation Vietnamese youngsters in Malaysia. After the successful first edition in 2023, the 2024 contest saw the selection of six young "ambassadors", and showcased the growing influence and presence of Vietnamese language abroad.

As Head of the Vietnamese Language Club in Malaysia, I will incorporate cultural and historical education into our curriculum so that the younger generations gain a deeper understanding of their roots. I'll also introduce them to the significance of Vietnam’s National Day, and help them understand its profound meaning and importance.

Nguyen Thuy Linh - Vietnamese oversea, Milan City, Italy: Embracing the nation’s milestone as a personal one 

Having lived and worked in Italy for more than seven years, the memories of National Day celebrations in Vietnam are deeply etched in my heart with vivid images of bustling public squares, radiant fireworks and the joy among the people.

The Vietnamese in Italy await National Day each year with eagerness. From children to the elderly, we all come together to celebrate the country’s pride. For me, September 2 is both a national and personal occasion.

Last year, I chose this meaningful day to celebrate my wedding with my Italian partner - an occasion that beautifully intertwined my personal joy with the nation's sacred milestone, allowing me to carry both love for country and family in my heart.

Ngo Hoang Tra My and Tong Phuc Hoang Kim, students at the University of Amsterdam and the Hague University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands: When love for the homeland crosses the screen

As students in Amsterdam, spending our National Day away from home is a deeply emotional experience. We watch from afar as friends in Vietnam share photos with their families, while the streets are dressed in red and gold. I longed to be among the crowds, dressed in Ao Dai, singing the national anthem.

For us, the day brings forth similar memories, in which local streets are lined with flags, and a communal atmosphere of national pride that stirs deep patriotism.

To ease this longing, the Vietnamese Students Association in the Netherlands has organized a variety of meaningful activities, including traditional games, cultural performances, flag-hanging ceremonies, and parades.

On social media, we have posted messages and participated in campaigns that celebrate the National Day on September 2, encouraging young Vietnamese everywhere to remember their roots.