The programme was broadcast live on Nhan Dan Television and featured a video link with Hien Luong Bridge across Ben Hai River, the symbol of the north-south divide during wartime.
But it is also a symbol of sacrifice, love and altruism, as well as national harmony and reconciliation, said Nhan Dan Newspaper’s Editor-in-chief Le Quoc Minh in his opening speech at the show.
He said that people on both sides of the river share the same love for the country and bathe in the same river of Vietnamese language and culture, despite once being on opposite sides on the battlefront.
The senior journalist added that when the country is reunified, it is natural that all Vietnamese people share the same aspiration of safeguarding and building a strong and wealthy country.
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Nhan Dan's Editor-in-chief Le Quoc Minh speaking at the event. (Photo: Thanh Dat)
Under the theme of national reconciliation, the show featured performances celebrating the love for the country and the national spirit by renowned singers, dancers and music groups.
Inserted between songs and dances were a series of short reports on untold stories and characters such as the love of a couple who lived across the river, two brothers in a family who served on opposite sides of the conflict, and the friendship of two soldiers on the two sides of the battlefront.
Stories of people who once fled the country and have now returned or looked back to the homeland were also recounted for the first time.
The programme was jointly held by Nhan Dan Newspaper, Quang Tri Province and the Vietnam Journalists Association with the attendance of many high-ranking Party and State officials.
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