Village and neighborhood affection on big holidays
In Tan Son Nhat ward, every September 2nd, Mr. Pham Xuan Hai (37 years of Party membership) - a veteran who has spent years in the army - joins the people to hang the national flag and clean up alleys. Recalling the autumn of his teenage years around 1970, little Hai, who was about 10 years old at that time, only knew about September 2nd through the school's stories and loudspeakers. Later, through articles in textbooks about the day Uncle Ho read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Dinh Square, that sacred meaning began to deeply penetrate.
When he enlisted, that awareness turned into responsibility. The first time he heard Uncle Ho's voice reading the Declaration of Independence replayed on the radio station at the unit, Mr. Hai was extremely moved. Uncle Ho's question "Do you understand when I speak?" was truly warm, forever imprinted in Mr. Hai's memory every Independence Day.
Mr. Hai recounted that on the occasion of National Day last year, he placed a TV screen and rows of seats neatly outside the yard for people to watch live the military parade and march program. Admiring the magnificent armed forces and modern equipment, he further believed in the cause of national defense. For Mr. Hai, each September 2nd season is a time to show gratitude to his father and brother who sacrificed and educate his children and grandchildren to live responsibly and cherish peace.
Unspoiled Uncle Ho's voice in the heart of the unit
Also in Tan Son Nhat ward, Ms. Lai Thi Hoa (47 years of Party membership, veteran of Branch 9) still retains the enthusiasm of Uncle Ho's soldiers. Enlisted in 1976, belonging to the Department of Military Supplies (General Department of Logistics), she and her comrades celebrated Independence Day in a simple space when the unit was stationed on Tra Khuc street, near the gate of Tan Son Nhat airport.
Every time it's September 2nd, hearing the warm, Nghe An-style voice of Uncle Ho when reading the Declaration of Independence on TV, my heart is filled with emotions," Ms. Hoa recalled.
Returning to everyday life, Ms. Hoa clearly feels the change of Ho Chi Minh City from modern street corners to improved spiritual life. For her, September 2nd is an opportunity to look back at the arduous journey to be more grateful to those who fell. No longer carrying a gun, she actively participates in local activities, setting an example and igniting the fire of love for the homeland for the young generation.
At the age of 98, Mr. Nguyen Hoang Sam (resident of Tan Binh ward) still has intact memories of the autumn of 1945. At that time, Mr. Sam had already set off for the resistance war when he was just a 17-year-old young man.
Memories of those days in me are the days of fighting with comrades, determined to fight for freedom and nation," he said.
After the country's reunification, Mr. Sam was fortunate to work in Ho Chi Minh City. Every National Day September 2nd, he remembers his old comrades. The old soldier kindly instructs his children and grandchildren to try to study, follow Uncle Ho's soldier spirit, and take care of and support his old comrades like family members.
I am truly proud to witness the development of the country, from the poor days to modernization and renovation like today. I hope that future generations will always maintain faith, patriotism and gratitude to those who sacrificed for the nation," the veteran confided.
