Patriotism in peacetime: When the simple things create the greatest things

These days, as the entire country joyfully anticipates the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), the streets are vibrant with flags and flowers. Not only in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City but also across Vietnam—from busy urban centers to quiet countryside lanes, on social media platforms, and in the hearts of every Vietnamese—the spirit of patriotism is quietly yet powerfully blooming in thousands of simple, heartfelt ways, fueling the enduring vitality and progress of the nation.

The trend of taking photos of “Patriotic Babies” is gaining traction, capturing the genuine and innocent love for the homeland from the youngest generation.

Every generation of Vietnamese people inherits a deep and unwavering love for their homeland. While this sentiment remains constant, the ways it is expressed evolve with the times. In wartime, patriotism was measured by sacrifice, blood, and tears. Today, in peacetime, as we embrace the digital era and global integration, patriotism finds new and profound forms—often expressed through the most ordinary acts of daily life.

Look around—on social media, in everyday conversations, or along the familiar streets of Viet Tri city and beyond—signs of heartfelt patriotism are everywhere.

It’s in the national flag fluttering proudly at every doorstep and office. It’s in the spontaneous trend of taking creative photos with the flag and setting videos to revolutionary songs and melodies that celebrate our land. These seemingly simple gestures ripple through the online community, awakening pride, sparking connection, and reminding us of who we are. Young people posting images of national pride, participating in meaningful online challenges, or creatively showcasing their love for the country are not just following trends—they are keeping the spirit of patriotism alive and well.

Coffee shops in the city are filled with the red color of the Party flag and the national flag.

Even sidewalk stalls and cozy coffee shops reflect this love. It’s not unusual to find cafés decorated with flags or serving drinks and snacks shaped like the Vietnamese map or flag. While these may carry commercial flair, their warm reception by customers speaks volumes—it shows a desire to connect, to express national pride in intimate, everyday ways.

Food and drinks that “follow the trend” of the national flag receive the response of consumers. Patriotism in peacetime: when simple things make great things.

Another vibrant expression of patriotism among young people today lies in their admiration for national leaders—not out of duty, but genuine respect. Beyond celebrities and pop stars, many now follow social media pages dedicated to leaders like General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and President Luong Cuong. With affectionate nicknames like “VitaMinh Chinh,” “Beside Luong Cuong,” and “Uncle Giang’s Grandson,” these platforms show a new kind of closeness—where admiration meets engagement and pride meets trust in those guiding the nation’s future.

TikTok pages were created to express the people’s love for the image of the country’s leaders.

Cultural works steeped in history and national identity are also winning the hearts of the public. Historical films—once seen as niche—are now blockbusters. Take Tunnel: Sun in the Dark, which portrays life and heroism in the Cu Chi Tunnels. It broke records, earning over 150 billion VND within two weeks of release, becoming the highest-grossing Vietnamese war film to date. Sold-out screenings, especially on weekends or national holidays, reveal a deep, resounding desire to honor our past and feel pride in our roots.

Similarly, large-scale political-artistic programs like The North-South Promise and The Country Full of Joy—organized by Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Military Radio and Television Center (QPVN)—have drawn tens of thousands of live spectators and captivated millions of viewers online. In an era overflowing with modern entertainment, these programs prove that the love for tradition, homeland, and country remains at the heart of Vietnamese culture, a force that unites generations.

Thousands of audience members watched the political art program “North-South Promise” at My Dinh Stadium.

But patriotism through simple things doesn’t end at symbolic acts or admiration. It’s not confined to grand occasions or ceremonial declarations. It lives quietly but firmly in daily awareness and action—in the way we treat others, in how we protect our environment, and in the values we uphold even when no one is watching.

It’s seen in the person who stops at red lights, who refrains from littering, and who helps the elderly cross the street. It’s in the student who studies diligently and the worker who pursues excellence in their craft. It’s in preserving our mother tongue, honoring our traditions, learning our nation’s history, and sharing the beauty of Vietnam with the world. It’s in compassion, in standing up for justice, and in being kind to others. It’s in building a civil, united, humane society—step by small step, person by person.

These everyday actions—humble, perhaps even unnoticed—form the roots of something far greater. They strengthen our nation from within. They make patriotism not a lofty ideal found only in textbooks, but a living, breathing part of daily life.

Clearly, it’s not that Vietnamese people are becoming more patriotic—it’s that their love for the homeland has always been there, flowing quietly through history like an underground river. In this era of digital transformation and global reach, the younger generation has more tools than ever to express their patriotism—creatively, flexibly, and sincerely. From hanging a small flag to following national leaders to loving one’s community—these are all threads in the vibrant tapestry of modern patriotism.

These simple acts, though they may never be written in the history books, are the quiet force that sustains a nation’s greatness in times of peace.

Hieu Nghia