Mrs. Hong was born and raised in Quang Tri province. For her, April 30 holds special significance. Her hometown is also preparing a major celebration to mark the national reunification day. When the North and South were reunited, people in Quang Tri were finally free to cross Hien Luong bridge without restrictions and anxieties of wartime. That freedom made her feel deeply moved and proud.
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Mrs. Truong Thi Hong (front row, far right) practicing with overseas Vietnamese who have returned from Truong Sa to join the parade marking the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day |
Hong felt incredibly proud to represent overseas Vietnamese to participate in the grand parade for the celebration, which will take place on April 30. This year’s celebration marks the first time the parade has featured an outstanding overseas Vietnamese formation.
For those living far from the homeland, participating in the parade is not only a great honor but also a great source of encouragement. It shows the due care and support of the Party, the State, and the Government, who always consider them an inseparable part of the country. It is also a recognition of the role of overseas Vietnamese in the journey of national reconciliation, unity, and development.
Overseas Vietnamese are seen as an extended arm connecting Vietnam with host countries. As the Party, State, and Government have been increasingly creating favorable conditions and opening more opportunities to encourage overseas Vietnamese to return home, Hong believed that they would have more chances to make contribution to the country.
Talking about her impression on the trip to Truong Sa (Spratly) with many other overseas Vietnamese, Hong said that this was her third visit to Truong Sa; however, each time brought a different emotion to her. The islands have become more beautiful, greener thanks to the “Greening Truong Sa” program, initiated by the Navy with the support from localities, businesses, and individuals across the country.
What moved her most was witnessing the overseas Vietnamese on the ship enthusiastically donating to support Truong Sa and the “Greening Truong Sa” program.
With many valuable experiences of living and working in Israel - a barren land admired worldwide as a pioneering model in high-tech agriculture and sustainable development based on science and innovation, Hong hoped that one day the vegetable gardens and nurseries on Truong Sa island will have these advanced agricultural technologies applied to to become even greener.
Their support may not be much, but it comes from the heart of Vietnamese people who wish to make a small contribution to the beloved Truong Sa.
Translated by Quynh Oanh