Among the bustling crowds pouring into the streets around Ba Dinh Square to wait for the parade and parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025), the image of two silver-haired veterans, wearing military uniforms, sitting together on the sidewalk moved many people passing by.
They are Mr. Le Van Sy (from Thanh Hoa) and Mr. Nghiem Cong Bac (from Thai Binh, now Hung Yen) - soldiers who fought at the K battlefield, the southwestern border.
Mr. Bac shared that when he was young, he served in the 26th Information Regiment, 4th Army Corps, and directly participated in the fight in the border war.
Like Mr. Bac, veteran Le Van Sy is a soldier on the Southwestern border, who went through difficult days to protect the Fatherland.
"Our generation has worked very hard, many teammates have sacrificed. Today's peace is thanks to the blood and bones of so many heroes. Therefore, on this National Day, we definitely have to be there, to witness the parade with our own eyes, to remember our comrades and feel proud of our country today, Mr. Bac said emotionally.
What is special is that the two have never met. It was only when they went to Hanoi together to wait to see the A80 parade and parade that they happened to meet, then quickly became "rivals" in the excited atmosphere before the big day.
Ready to stay up all night to keep a seat
Sharing with Lao Dong, both veterans decided to stay up all night near Hung Vuong - Tran Phu Square to wait to watch the parade.
Mr. Sy confided: "Hotels are currently very expensive, we can't afford 2 million a night. Well, just spread out your TV and sleep on the street, not afraid of getting tired because there are people around. I was afraid that if I was late, there would be no place to watch.
When Lao Dong reporter informed that the Organizing Committee and the authorities had a plan to arrange priority seats for veterans in the most beautiful positions, both Mr. Sy and Mr. Bac were surprised and moved.
"We are now very assured, no longer worried about losing our seat. Thank you to the Party, the State and the Organizing Committee for thinking about us, Mr. Sy shared happily.
"Proud to see the younger generation step up so seriously"
Although they are old, both men are excited. They said they had followed the recent preliminary and final rehearsals through the media, and felt more wonderful and magnificent than any parade they had ever seen.
Mr. Bac emphasized: "In the past, we only had a few rudimentary weapons to fight the enemy, why have modern aircraft and tanks like now. Today's generation of soldiers are trained in peace, fully equipped with modern equipment. Seeing the children walking solemnly makes me feel proud and see the efforts of the previous generation not go in excess".
When asked about the message for the younger generation, both veterans affirmed: The most important thing is to maintain independence and freedom. Our generation has sacrificed to have today, and the next generation must keep that result, live worthy and respect peace".
After the parade, Mr. Bac plans to visit the Vietnam Military History Museum, while Mr. Sy has planned to visit the National Achievements Exhibition with the theme "80 years of independence - freedom - Happiness" in Dong Anh (Hanoi): "By then, we will see more clearly how strongly the country has risen after the war," he said.
The simple story of two veterans among the crowd eagerly waiting for the parade is a vivid testament to the power of historical memories. From the fierce battlefield of the past to today's river festival, they still keep in their hearts the passion for patriotism and the pride in being soldiers of Uncle Ho.
