When millions of hearts beat as one...

On the morning of August 16th, despite unfavorable weather conditions and rain in most wards and communes across Nghe An province, the flag-raising ceremony and walk, part of the "Together with Vietnam Marching Forward" program, took place simultaneously with the participation of a large number of people wearing red shirts with yellow stars. This presence further affirmed the patriotic spirit and revolutionary blood of the people of Nghe An in this land of "exceptional people and rich history."

InHo Chi Minh SquareFrom dawn, thousands of people flocked in with joy. The vast space of the square was filled with the colors of the national flag and brightly colored umbrellas. Beneath the monument to the Father of the Nation, from the elderly to young children, from agencies and organizations to private families, from charitable groups to student groups… all seemed to be invisibly connected, immersing themselves in national pride.

The moment the national anthem is played, millions of people sing in unison, their hearts united in devotion to their homeland. The flag-raising ceremony is no longer a mere ritual, but a spiritual connection to history, to the nation and its land. The singing is not just sounds, but heartfelt narratives, expressions of pride, gratitude, and promises to the past and the future. Each emotion is a genuine piece, painting a vivid picture of this event.

Veteran Nguyen Huu Binh (72 years old, residing in Vinh Phu ward) emotionally shared: "Back in the day, the feeling of saluting the flag and singing the national anthem was sacred. Today, standing amidst this sea of ​​people, facing the national flag and listening to the national anthem, I feel like I'm reliving those heroic memories. Each time, I remember my fallen comrades, and the silent sacrifices of our ancestors. I'm so proud! Proud that our country has developed, proud that the patriotism of the younger generation still burns brightly."

Having both participated in the revolution and sharing the same emotions, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Xuong (born in 1929, residing in Vinh Phu ward) confided: "These past few days I've been so excited I couldn't sleep. I'm so happy, so thrilled!"

To ensure the whole family could participate in the event, the members bought red shirts with yellow stars days in advance and woke up very early to be on time. At the age of 94, wearing the red shirt with a yellow star, Mr. Xương was helped by his children and grandchildren to participate in the walk after the event.

Attending the event in the green uniform of Vovinam martial arts, teacher Nguyen Van Thanh (born in 1994, a teacher at Le Mao Primary School) shared: “My students and I participated in this program with the desire to encourage patriotism and national pride in the children. At the same time, we want to remind them to preserve their national identity because Vovinam is the national martial art of our nation, recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

It is known that, after the event, Master Thanh and his students will participate in the Nghệ An Province Expanded Intermediate Level Vovinam Vietnamese Martial Arts Belt Promotion Examination at the Nghệ An Provincial Sports Arena. Therefore, many students from various provinces and cities across the country are also present at this event.

Student Giàng Gia Mé (19 years old - Vinh University of Technology and Education) excitedly said: "Standing here, I feel so small, but also incredibly proud to be a Vietnamese. I think that, no matter what I do or where I am in the future, I will always remember this image, to live well, study well, and strive to become a useful person for my homeland and country."

Following the solemn flag-raising ceremony, tens of thousands of people began their walking journey. The early morning rain did not diminish their enthusiasm; on the contrary, it further proved that no obstacle could stop the unwavering will of a nation.

Each step carries the aspiration for a bright future, affirming the spirit of unity and the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people. Among billions of footsteps, the slow pace of those of Mr. Xương's generation seems to reenact the arduous history of countless generations before. And the carefree running of the children – the future seedlings of the nation – is a promising affirmation of a rising Vietnam. Thus, the past and the future merge into one, creating an endless flow…

Not only at Ho Chi Minh Square, but also at the venues in the wards and communes, the atmosphere was equally vibrant. Although on a smaller scale, the solemnity and spirit of unity remained intact.

Following the event, social media platforms were flooded with images, videos, and status updates about the event, shared widely. Filled with fervent pride, each citizen became an "ambassador," spreading the spirit of this historic morning. The program's hashtag consistently topped trending lists, transforming the event from just a walk into a powerful cultural wave, connecting and inspiring millions of people, not only across Vietnam.

The "Walking Together with Vietnam" event went far beyond a typical physical activity. From cities to rural areas, from the elderly to young children, everyone came together to write an emotional story about love for their country. Many people, even those unable to participate directly, showed their support by wearing red shirts with the yellow star and posting check-in photos with the national flag.

Eighty years since the founding of the nation. Each of us is fortunate to have been born and raised in an era of peace, a thriving economy, and an increasingly better life for the people. This is the result of the dedication of countless generations of our ancestors. Therefore, we, who are inheriting these achievements, need to be grateful and cherish what we have.