Vietnam’s presence at this historic event honored its role in the common struggle against fascism and affirmed the country’s commitment as a responsible and reliable partner in the international community, ready to contribute to peace. It was also an opportunity to showcase the image of a regular, elite VPA and the friendliness and solidarity of the Vietnamese people.
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Vietnamese expatriates and students in Russia welcome the VPA delegation |
Lasting impression
Although the VPA delegation stayed in Moscow for just over two weeks, they left a strong impression on international friends. For fellow delegations, they embodied unity, discipline, and camaraderie in fulfilling duties; for the host country, they represented professionalism, coordination, and absolute compliance with organizers’ regulations, while showing tireless determination to overcome difficulties.
At the camp where the VPA lived and trained, even small gestures, like stacking chairs neatly after meals, thanking staff, or saying goodbye before leaving, moved local service workers. They were touched when the Vietnamese soldiers left behind unused instant noodles, coffee, and rations with a note in Russian: “Thank you for your thoughtful service! Please take what you can use.” Such simple acts conveyed warmth across cultures and national borders.
For the Vietnamese community and students in Russia, the presence of the VPA was a source of immense pride, faith in the heroic military, and overwhelming emotion when seeing their soldiers march with dignity alongside international friends in such a prestigious event.
Because we are Vietnamese soldiers
The most challenging time was the rehearsals, held outdoors at night in sub-zero temperatures, sometimes with rain. Yet the youthful energy of the delegation, inspired by the historic atmosphere, helped them endure the harsh weather.
Bundled in thermal layers, I still had to bare my hands to use my camera, pressing them to my cheeks to ease the numbness. Suddenly, a Russian security officer removed his gloves and signaled for me to wear them. Vladimir, the officer in charge of the VPA, handed me his coat without hesitation. The warmth of the coat, and more so the gesture of kindness, dispelled the cold.
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The VPA delegation marching in formation on Red Square in May 2025 |
Wherever the VPA appeared, whether on the training ground or during sightseeing, locals and fellow soldiers gathered eagerly to take photos with “friends from Vietnam.”
On parade day, security was tight. Only one phone was permitted inside Red Square, that of Major General Nguyen Van Thanh, head of the delegation, assigned to the journalist. When I slipped along the security fence to observe closer, guards surrounded me and ordered me back. Once they learned I was a VPA journalist, they paused, consulted, then allowed me to stay.
“Advantage” of being woman
Later, I learned that my comrades had immediately verified my identity with the VPA assembly area, making me the only foreigner allowed at that vantage point. Thanks to this, I captured the historic moment when the VPA delegation first marched on Red Square.
I still remember the day when Vietnamese Ambassador to Vietnam Dang Minh Khoi visited and encouraged the delegation. Though his schedule was full and others had failed to interview him, I seized a brief chance, asking quietly as he moved between meetings. Perhaps unable to refuse the “soldier-journalist” laden with backpack and camera, he smiled and agreed.
Strict security on Red Square meant journalists often had to leave equipment outside. Yet, with the “advantage” of being a female soldier-journalist, I received consistent support from organizers, security personnel, and foreign colleagues. Thanks to this, many striking images of the VPA delegation were recorded and shared widely in the media and on social platforms.
What lingers
At cultural exchange nights, performances were sometimes imperfect, missed lyrics, faltered juggling, but what remained was the sense of solidarity among soldiers and nations. The warmth and sincerity of the VPA delegation dispelled hesitation and drew others closer.
After completing their mission, the delegation returned to Hanoi. At their departure, Russian officers and members of the Vietnamese community came to see them off, even providing transport to the airport. Gifts were offered, but the most touching for me were small bars of chocolate, one pressed into my hand by an elderly Russian guard as we said goodbye, another given by a stranger at the airport who noticed the word “Vietnam” on our jackets. It seemed locals always carried chocolates, ready to share with those they cherished.
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Break-time of members of the VPA delegation |
Traveling abroad makes one realize that wherever the national flag is raised, that place becomes a gathering of humanity, imbued with the nation’s soul and the bond of compatriots.
By Ha Phuong
Translated by Tran Hoai