In celebration of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026), on April 22, 2026, at Vu Dinh Lien Hall, the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi solemnly organized the program “A Fiery Youth – A Lifetime of Pride: Stories from Soldiers.”

Attending the program, on behalf of the University of Languages and International Studies were members of the University leadership board, representatives of various units, homeroom teachers, and a large number of students who are Party members from the Student Party Cell, as well as members of the Executive Committee of the Youth Union and Student Association. Guest speakers included Mr. Tran Quoc Chi – Head of the UNESCO Vietnamese Calligraphy Club, an alumnus of the first cohort of the High School for Gifted Students (CNN), and a former student of the Faculty of Chinese Language and Culture; and Mr. Pham Hong Phuc – a veteran of the Quang Tri Citadel battlefield.

During the talk, the speakers vividly recalled the ideals of Vietnamese youth during the wartime period. It was an era when the spirit of “laying down pens to take up arms” became a voluntary choice for thousands of students, including those from the Foreign Language University, who were ready to leave lecture halls behind to defend the nation. Their authentic, simple yet deeply moving stories helped the audience better understand the motivations that drove an entire generation to devote themselves to the cause of independence and freedom.

Sharing at the event, Mr. Pham Hong Phuc moved the audience as he recounted his decision to enlist at the age of 17, despite his small stature but strong determination. His story of falsifying his age to go to war in place of his older brother not only demonstrated a profound sense of responsibility but also reflected the intense aspiration of wartime youth to contribute. Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Quoc Chi shared profound memories of his early days of enlistment as a student, with a readiness to sacrifice for the country.

One of the most impactful segments was the recollection of the arduous march along the Truong Son range. Over five relentless months, young soldiers faced fierce bombings, diseases, and harsh natural conditions. From sudden B-52 air raids and the constant threat of heat-seeking aircraft, to bouts of malaria and repeated crossings of streams in heavy rain, all vividly illustrated the brutality of war. Yet above all, it was their optimism, resilience, and strong comradeship that became their source of strength to keep moving forward.

Beyond battlefield stories, the program also highlighted deeply human aspects of everyday life during wartime. These included warm bonds between soldiers and civilians, hurried letters written on trains and sent back home, and the innocent first emotions of youth. Such seemingly simple stories further illuminated the inner beauty of that generation of students and soldiers.

In particular, the segment on the “Red Summer” at the Quang Tri Citadel vividly recreated the intensity of the war. The scale of sacrifice, immeasurable losses, and stories of B40 weapons and life-and-death battles left many students deeply moved. Through this, the value of peace was profoundly reaffirmed. More than just revisiting the past, the program also served as a bridge between generations. Reflections on the overwhelming joy of April 30, 1975, and the continued tradition upheld by generations of teachers and students conveyed a powerful message of gratitude and responsibility. The speakers’ sincere and meaningful messages inspired today’s students to reflect on their roles in building and developing the country.

Interwoven throughout the program were emotional musical performances featuring timeless songs, contributing to an atmosphere that was both solemn and intimate. Many students were visibly moved by these real-life stories, gaining a deeper appreciation for the value of peace and the immense sacrifices made by previous generations.

Mai Anh/ĐSTT