According to information from the Organizing Committee of the political art program "Fatherland in the Heart 2026", the event takes place in Ho Chi Minh City, the main stage point is Van Phuc Urban Area, Hiep Binh ward with 40,000 spectators and the second bridge point is Nguyen Hue pedestrian street with 30,000 spectators.
At about 8 pm, when the program officially started, heavy rain suddenly poured down on the organizing area. In the stands, tens of thousands of people quickly put on raincoats, using umbrellas or carrying items to cover themselves.
Heavy rain, many viewers were wet even though they had prepared raincoats. However, most viewers still maintained their positions, looking towards the stage and waiting for the opening ceremonies.
The image of tens of thousands of spectators in colorful raincoats, standing in the middle of the red stage space, became one of the special moments of the performance night. Some people covered their phones to record the program, others held national flags and joined the music.
After the opening light show, the Flag Raising Ceremony was held in the sound of "Stepping Forward Under the Military Flag". The ceremony was attended by soldiers of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection Command and Military Region 7.
Leading the flag-raising delegation is the "Determined to Win" flag. Followed by a paratrooper team of 34 soldiers, symbolizing the first 34 members of the Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Army Team, established in 1944. This is the predecessor unit of the Vietnam People's Army.
Although the rain has not stopped, the soldiers' formation still performed the solemn and even ritual. In the audience area, the atmosphere is becoming lively and calm. Many people stand straight facing the National Flag.
Immediately after the Flag Raising Ceremony, "Tien Quan Ca" by musician Van Cao rang out. The song was performed by soldiers of the Command of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection, Military Region 7, art troupe and children's group.
On stage, artists and performers put their hands on their chests. Under the stands, tens of thousands of people chanted the National Anthem in unison in the heavy rain.
Rain covered the space white but did not interrupt the ritual. Stage lights, images of the yellow star and the national flag on large screens created an emotional scene. The audience's singing harmonized with the performing force, spreading throughout the organizing area.
Previously, a large number of viewers came to Van Phuc City from noon. They went through many hours of hot sun, queuing to check tickets and security before entering the performance area. When the weather turned bad, the audience continued to stay instead of leaving the program.
Fatherland in the Heart 2026" is organized by Nhan Dan Newspaper in coordination with Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, towards the 81st anniversary of National Day September 2nd (September 2nd, 1945 - September 2nd, 2026). The program includes three chapters "One Belt for the Country", "Proud Red Color" and "Fatherland in the Heart".
The show brought together many artists such as Meritorious Artist Cao Minh, Meritorious Artist Dang Duong, Tung Duong, Vo Ha Tram, Noo Phuoc Thinh, Hoa Minzy, Soobin, Huong Tram, Hoang Bach, Dong Hung, Lam Bao Ngoc, Pham Anh Duy, Muoi and the OPlus group.
