Right after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, veteran Tran Van Thanh (residing in Quang Trung Ward, Vinh City, Nghe An Province) met reporters in simple civil clothes. He grimaced his hands in black after more than 10 days of traveling more than 1,000 km in the sun.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Thanh said that at 10:00 a.m. on April 17, he and the motorbike started departing from Vinh City (Nghe An) to the City named after Uncle Ho. In the old suitcase with the rear footrest, there was a silver soldier's clothing, some personal items, and a set of vehicle repair tools.
"I want to go by myself, to feel the changes of the country after half a century of peace. This trip is an incense to commemorate the fallen teammates, and is the way I live the full sense of national pride on the big holiday," Mr. Thanh shared with us.
"A horse alone", a burning heart
Entering the army in 1968, Mr. Thanh experienced fierce battles at Quang Tri ancient citadel. The memory of his comrades on the battlefield is always in the hearts of the old soldiers.
In order to get to Ho Chi Minh City to watch the parade on the occasion of the April 30th holiday this year, Mr. Thanh chose a challenging journey - determined to conquer the more than 1,300 km route on an old motorbike.
"Riding a motorbike, I can feel every piece of homeland. Each kilometre is a tribute to those who passed away. What is the significance of taking a train or a plane? ", a simple but containing a whole heart of Mr. Thanh.
Before the trip, Mr. Thanh prepared everything carefully. The motorbike was carefully inspected, light luggage with raincoats, repair items and an indispensable national flag solemnly tied behind the saddle.
He decided to keep the trip a secret with his family, afraid that his children and grandchildren would worry and stop him. "I just quietly greeted the people in the neighborhood, asking them to text me back after I had gone far away," he laughed gently.
Overcoming the sun, crossing the pass, avoiding the rain
The journey of more than 1,300 km from Nghe An to Ho Chi Minh City is a big challenge for a middle-aged man. Mr. Thanh alone faced harsh weather: sunny days like fire, sudden showers, and winding, dangerous mountain pass roads.
Once, his motorbike slipped and fell in Phu Yen, causing his limbs to scratch. But the enthusiastic help of local people gave him strength.
" Fatigue, pain. But every time I think about my comrades who sacrificed, think about the national flag flying on a unified day, I have more motivation to continue," Mr. Thanh said emotionally.
Every day, Mr. Thanh sets short trips by himself, taking a break in the middle of the road to ensure his health. At night, he sleeps at boarding houses along the road or looks for places where people are willing to help.
He also brought a mini steamer and a small pot to cook simple meals himself. On every road he passed, he stopped to burn incense at martyrs' cemeteries, whispering his deep gratitude.
After 10 days of "traveling" by motorbike, on April 27, veteran Tran Van Thanh set foot in Ho Chi Minh City. The moment he stopped the car and took off his old helmet, looking at the sky of Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning sunlight, his eyes were filled with tears.
"50 years ago, we fought for the country to have today. Now seeing a bustling, brilliant Ho Chi Minh City, I can only say thank you to heaven and earth, thank you to my teammates who have fallen," Mr. Thanh choked up.
In April 2024, Lao Dong newspaper reporters also had the opportunity to meet another veteran, Phung Gia Thanh (64 years old, Thanh Binh ward, Dien Bien Phu city).
Mr. Thanh cycled nearly 1,800 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with a wish to visit the Golden State of Laos, on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification.
Mr. Thanh is a veteran, who enlisted in the army in 1980, in Division 1 (Vinh Phuc province), serving for about 9 months.
After that, the family was in difficulty, so he asked permission to return home to help. In 1982, Mr. Thanh continued to join the army in the Northwest of Army Corps 678, with the task of protecting Dien Bien airport.
Unforgettable the moment when he heard the news of national reunification, South - North gathering at a house (April 30, 1975), Mr. Thanh excitedly recounted that he was still young, raising buffaloes in the fields, and at around 4pm he heard the loud drumming.
"Among the buffalo flock, there was a saying, "Liberate Saigon", so we hugged each other and shouted loudly " liberation". I felt really happy and wonderful at that time, Mr. Thanh recalled and said, this was also the motivation for him to take the trip.
On March 30, 2024, Mr. Thanh started departing from Hanoi and cycling to Ho Chi Minh City. On April 20, 2024, Mr. Thanh visited the Doc Lap Palace, fulfilling his wish at an old age.
About three months after his trip to Ho Chi Minh City, veteran Phung Gia Thanh passed away from cancer.
