Held jointly by Nhan Dan (The People’s) Newspaper, Vietnam News Agency and the provincial People's Committee, the "Quang Tri - Memories of the Rivers" programme was broadcast live on Nhan Dan Television and six local radio and television channels.
Speaking at the opening, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper Thuan Huu emphasised that on May 1, 1972, Quang Tri was the first province in the south to be liberated, which came as a great source of encouragement for the whole nation during the fight to reunite the country. Quang Tri victory was a significant battle, prompting strategic strikes across the south and encouraging the entire army and the people to attain victory in the spring of 1975.
Together with troops and people throughout the country, Quang Tri sacrificed blood and bone in fighting for the traditional revolution, aspiring to liberate and reunite the nation.
45 years after its liberation, Quang Tri has promoted the indomitable tradition in working together to build a rich and beautiful land. From humble beginnings as a disadvantaged province, Quang Tri has kept up with its neighbours, making remarkable achievements in all fields of socio-economy, security and defence.
Thuan Huu commented that this is an opportunity for all to express deep gratitude for the great sacrifice of heroic martyrs, veterans, wounded soldiers, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and people who contributed to the revolution. All great and silent sacrifices will be forever remembered, he stressed.
The "Quang Tri - Memories of Rivers" was based on the idea of a connection between the two historical rivers in Quang Tri: Ben Hai and Thach Han, the symbol of the pain of separating the north and south in the past, as well as the sense of national reconciliation in the National Reunification Festival.
Exchanging with historical witnesses at the event. (Credit: NDO)
Memories and epic stories involving unknown characters during the war were recreated at the event, helping audience members understand more about the sacrifice, loss of life and national strength of Vietnam’s heroes. Well-known songs associated with historical events were sung at the event along with a number of emotional reports presented.
On the occasion, leaders joined local people in releasing flowers on Thach Han River to pay tribute to heroic martyrs who had bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation and reunification during the campaign to protect Quang Tri Old Citadel throughout 81 gruelling days and nights in 1972.
The organising board handed over VND800 million to the provincial gratitude fund to build ten gratitude houses for Quang Tri people.
* The same day, Ho Chi Minh City authorities organised a special performance on the theme of "The Triumph Song".
At the event, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong affirmed that after 42 years of its liberation, the city named after Uncle Ho has gained significant achievements in all fields, affirming its role as a source of inspiration for the development of the whole nation.
The city authorities and local people vowed to continue to building a city with high quality of life, a civilised society and high-level of development in integrating into the world, he affirmed.
The art show brought together hundreds of artists, actors and singers, with many traditional music and dance repertoires reflecting the glorious history of the nation.
* The same event was also held at Victory Monument in Dien Bien Phu City, the northern province of Dien Bien on April 29 with the participation of dozens of actors and singers, performing 30 songs on the theme of praising the Party, Uncle Ho, the joyful reunification festival and Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Dong Nai Province inaugurates An Hao Bridge on April 30. (Credit: NDO)
* On April 30, Dong Nai Province put An Hao Bridge across the Cai River (under Dong Nai River System) into operation, linking An Binh Ward and Hiep Hoa Commune in Bien Hoa City.
The bridge is 475m long and 23m wide, including six lanes. The total investment capital for An Hao Bridge project was nearly VND940 billion.
* The same day, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines (VNA) organised two special flights numbered VN236 and VN257 offering special gifts for passengers flying between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
VNA attendants also offered passengers a special fashion show, showcasing the latest ao dai collection, namely "Dao Mai" (Peach and Apricot) by Vietnamese designer Vo Viet Chung, at a height of more than 10,000m.
VNA flight attendants took part in the ao dai show on the two special flights VN236 and VN257 on April 30.
