Towards the Fatherland

In the final days of April, every road and street corner across provinces and cities throughout the country is adorned in brilliant hues of red and yellow—the proud colors of the national flag. The joyful, spirited atmosphere in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification fills every corner and every Vietnamese heart. For Vietnamese people studying or living abroad, these historic days stir even deeper emotions and pride, drawing their hearts ever closer to their homeland.

In Japan, Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phong solemnly hoisted the national flag to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

Born and raised in a time of peace and now having the opportunity to study and work alongside international peers, Vietnamese students abroad feel a strong sense of pride every April 30—the historic day marking the country’s reunification. It is a source of inspiration and inner strength that reminds Vietnamese youth, wherever they may be, to remain connected to their roots and to live, study, and contribute in ways that honor the noble sacrifices of earlier generations.

Le Nguyen Viet Ha, currently studying in the Federal Republic of Germany, reflects on how meaningful these national milestones—such as the Liberation of the South (April 30) and National Day (September 2)—are: “When I was a student, my teachers taught us about our history and the revolutionary spirit of our ancestors—those were truly heroic years for our nation. I especially remember the day the North and South were reunited. These days, through news outlets and social media posts from friends and family, I can still feel the vibrant and heroic atmosphere in Vietnam. And I feel so proud.”

For international students like Ha—born into peace, raised in love, and given the opportunity to study abroad—there is a shared pride and gratitude for the generations before. This awareness inspires them to preserve the revolutionary spirit and work harder in all aspects of life.

Mr. Phong’s daughter takes a photo at the Hung Kings Museum.

In April, on a street corner in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, a Vietnamese flag waves proudly against the blue sky. It’s the same flag Nguyen Nguyen Phong brought with him from Vietnam. On major national holidays and during Lunar New Year, he always hangs it—an expression of longing and loyalty to the homeland where his loved ones remain.

Phong shared, “In the early days, living far from home, family, my wife, and two daughters—it wasn’t easy. I buried myself in work just to ease the homesickness. But on holidays or Tet, the longing was stronger than ever. For me, looking up at the national flag became a way to ease that feeling. This year especially, on the 50th anniversary of reunification, that love and pride in my nation was even deeper. Seeing the parades, the crowds, and the streets decorated with flags and flowers—even from afar—I felt overwhelmed with emotion. I wasn’t there physically, but I could feel it all. Back home, my wife even took our daughter to the Hung Kings Museum to take pictures.”

Hong Thang’s family traveled to Sa Pa during their return to Vietnam.

Hong Thang, currently living and working in the United States, returned to Vietnam for the special occasion. “After more than ten years abroad, my heart has always remained with my homeland, my family, and my roots. Whenever possible, I bring my children back so they can understand where they come from—our culture and our traditions. This year, due to work, I returned alone, but it was right on the 50th anniversary of reunification. Being able to celebrate it here, surrounded by loved ones, made me feel incredibly proud and grateful. No matter where I go in the world, I am still Vietnamese, and the blood of my homeland runs through me.”

Thu Ha