Regarding Dien Kim's celebration of "Reunification Tet"

(Baonghean) - The atmosphere in Dien Kim commune (Dien Chau district) these days is different from usual. Flags and flowers adorn the streets, and loudspeakers blare out revolutionary songs… We asked Mr. Bui Huy Dung, head of the Veterans Association branch in Nam Lien hamlet, and the locals enthusiastically replied: “Are you journalists here to celebrate the April 30th holiday with the soldiers of Uncle Ho?”

When we arrived at Mr. Dung's house, the Veterans' Association had already gathered in large numbers. Loud smiles, firm handshakes, and warm camaraderie created a festive atmosphere. After the initial part, which resembled a regular meeting, came a review of the Association's activities over the past year – contributions to building the homeland, participation with descendants in maintaining order in the area, and so on – followed by a "reminiscence session." Forty years have passed, but sitting together at this moment, all the memories remain vivid and fresh in the hearts of these veterans.

For them, it was the most profound period of their lives, connected to their ideals, to their youthful aspirations, even though mentioning it brings to mind the blood and sacrifices made… They not only recounted battlefield memories, near-death experiences, moments when they thought they had touched death, but they all shared the same emotion at the historic moment of April 30th. Mr. Bui Huy Dung recalled: “That day, laughter and joy mingled with choked sobs. The two words ‘unification’ spoken by the Vietnamese people at that time were so moving. I will always remember the image of long lines of people, flags and flowers covering the streets. They held hands, singing loudly… while we were in the middle of Saigon.”

The Veterans Association of Nam Lien hamlet took a commemorative photo on the occasion of the April 30th holiday.

Sharing the same memories, with hands clasped tightly, veteran Dao Hai Van recounted: “Before the complete reunification of the country, as a communications soldier of the 341st Division, 4th Corps, we were tasked with maintaining communication so that our troops could attack the 'steel gate' in the East (Long Khanh, Dong Nai), one of the gateways to Saigon to liberate the South. Therefore, the mission was extremely arduous but also incredibly honorable and proud…”

It all unfolded like a slow-motion film, interwoven with a multitude of emotions. Then, the gray-haired veterans, their eyes welling up, called out the names of their fallen comrades who had perished before the reunification. The younger generation, celebrating Tet with their elders, thus gained a deeper understanding of the loss and sacrifice, and appreciated the value of peace and independence.

In Dien Kim, it's not just the Nam Lien branch that organizes the "April 30th Tet celebration," but almost all branches do, considering it a major holiday of the year. Mr. Bui Ngoc Quynh, head of the Kim Lien hamlet Veterans Association branch, said: "Organizing the April 30th Tet celebration is not only an opportunity for members to meet and visit each other, light incense for fallen comrades, share a drink and a meal together, but also a chance to reminisce about battlefield memories and review the achievements of the branch members during the year." He added that Kim Lien hamlet has 20 veteran members, and previously, most families were involved in salt production, so their economic situation was difficult.

In recent years, thanks to taking on additional occupations such as trading and opening production workshops, the economic situation of many families has improved. The members unanimously agreed to use the 24 million VND fund to provide interest-free loans to three needy households. In addition, members of the branch regularly communicate to visit each other during times of illness and share in the joy of their children's weddings. Over the years, thanks to the movement of veterans setting a good example in educating their children, currently none of the families in the branch have children involved in social vices, and 18 children are currently attending university…

It is known that the April 30th Reunification Day has been maintained for decades in Dien Kim commune. Not only the Veterans' Association branches but also many families consider this an important holiday. They do not forget to prepare offerings and lavish meals to worship their ancestors and their children and comrades who sacrificed their lives. According to Mrs. Pham Thi Tam, from Nam Lien hamlet: "For a long time, the April 30th holiday has been a day for my family to gather children, grandchildren, and in-laws to sincerely worship, while also educating them to remember their roots."

As can be seen, 40 years have passed, but the memories of April 30, 1975, still resonate in every resident of Dien Kim coastal village. That heroic spirit will continue to be remembered by the people of the coastal village in their own unique way, today and in the future.

Quang An