Vietnam Celebrates National Day with Patriotic Songs, Fostering National Unity

Thousands of spectators sang along to patriotic songs about their homeland and country during the "Proud Vietnam, Steadfast Steps" program in Ho Chi Minh City. The art event, commemorating the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, took place on the evening of September 2nd on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, attracting a large audience of all ages. The program was directed by the Ho Chi Minh City Committee for Organizing Major Holidays, with content overseen by the Department of Culture and Sports, and executed by the City Arts Center. Many attendees held the red flag with a yellow star, clapping and singing in unison with the songs. Audiences without tickets to the main area stood along the sides, enjoying the show from a distance. For nearly two hours, the show recreated the nation's historical memories, from the arduous years of war to the present day of peace. In the opening segment, artist Dao Mac and the Lac Viet group performed a medley of "Together to the Red Army," "August 19th," and "Song of Triumph," with fire effects and pyrotechnics highlighting the fervent spirit of the General Uprising days. People's Artist Ta Minh Tam evoked love for the homeland through a mashup of "Melodies of the Fatherland" and "The Country on the Waves" (by Tran Tien - Thai Van Hoa). Audience emotions were further stirred by the powerful and soulful rendition of "What More Could Be More Beautiful" (by Nguyen Hung) by singer Phuong Thanh. Phan Manh Quynh created a contemplative atmosphere with his composition "Take Me Home." On the LED screen, wartime handwritten letters and materials related to the search for martyrs' remains were displayed sequentially. He shared that in 2017, he stumbled upon an article about the journey of Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan (70 years old), who had been searching for her brother's remains from various battlefields to bring them back to her hometown in Thanh Chuong, Nghe An. After nearly 50 years of searching, Ms. Xuan had yet to fulfill her late mother's wish. The touching story of the soldiers' sacrifice and family affection inspired him to write the song. The aerial silk act by the duo Hien Phuoc - Thanh Hoa blended with the voice of Lam Bao Ngoc in "Writing the Story of Peace" (by Nguyen Van Chung). Nguyen Phi Hung and rapper Bao Kun energized the stage with the song "My Radiant Vietnam" (by Nguyen Tien Duc). Dan Truong performed "Proud to be Vietnamese" (composed by Le Bao Quoc, lyrics by Nguyen Quang Dinh), affirming the spirit of rising and integrating. Isaac performed the song "Golden Forest, Silver Sea" (by DTAP). The art of Hat Boi was incorporated into the musical scene "Southern Flow - Identity, Diversity" (music by Dat Kim, new lyrics by Dinh Phong, directed by Trong Phuoc). In the finale, thousands of spectators joined the artists in singing the medley "Vietnam I Love - Connecting the Great Circle" (by Tien Nguyen, Trinh Cong Son). A rotating fireworks display combined with fire effects lit up the walking street. As the show concluded, many lingered to watch the fireworks display from the nearby Nha Rong Wharf. Source: VnExpress