In Pictures: Nearly 3,000 students moved by stories of soldiers

On the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday (May 19, 1890 - 2025), on the evening of May 16, Nguyen Trai University in collaboration with the National Defence and Security Education Centre in the Viet Nam National University, Ha Noi organised a special program titled “Soldiers return”. The program attracted nearly 3,000 students to the centre.
Students present flowers to historical witnesses.
Students present flowers to historical witnesses.

The programme was considered a profound tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and generations of soldiers who fought for national independence; it also aimed to inspire new generations of students to live with ideals, responsibility, and a desire to contribute. Special guests of the programme were historical witnesses: Lieutenant Vu Dang Toan, the tank commander of vehicle number 390, who led the advance into the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975; Sergeant Ngo Sy Nguyen, the number 1 gunner of tank number 390; and Sergeant Nguyen Van Tap, the driver of tank number 390.

An overview of the programme.

An overview of the programme.

Elaborately staged artistic performances by students of Nguyen Trai University.

Elaborately staged artistic performances by students of Nguyen Trai University.

Dr Nguyen Tien Luan, Rector of Nguyen Trai University, speaks at the programme.

Dr Nguyen Tien Luan, Rector of Nguyen Trai University, speaks at the programme.

Delegates and nearly 3,000 students loudly chant slogans expressing patriotism.

Delegates and nearly 3,000 students loudly chant slogans expressing patriotism.

Lieutenant Vu Dang Toan, the tank commander of vehicle number 390, who led the advance into the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975, shares his experiences at the event.

Lieutenant Vu Dang Toan, the tank commander of vehicle number 390, who led the advance into the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975, shares his experiences at the event.

During the programme, each story recounted by the soldiers who went through the war conveyed a reminder to the younger generation: no matter the difficulties or challenges, courage and unwavering will remain a solid foundation.

During the programme, each story recounted by the soldiers who went through the war conveyed a reminder to the younger generation: no matter the difficulties or challenges, courage and unwavering will remain a solid foundation.

Students eagerly join the programme.

Students eagerly join the programme.

The programme aims to convey the message: Take a look at the past to take steady steps in the present and build the future.

The programme aims to convey the message: Take a look at the past to take steady steps in the present and build the future.

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