Among those waiting at the intersection of Tran Hung Dao and Tran Thanh Tong was Dam To Mai from Gia Lam district, Hanoi. She brought her third-grade daughter to help her understand the immense contributions of the General Secretary to the nation.

"I hope my daughter learns the value of gratitude," said Mai, her voice breaking. "She needs to appreciate living in a democratic and civilized society and benefiting from an advanced education system, all thanks to leaders like General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong."

Mai's mother, Tran Thi Hang from Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province, despite suffering from leg pain, had taken a bus to Hanoi the day before. The family arrived at 5am, hoping to offer their condolences. Though security announced that public visits would start in the late afternoon, they chose to wait patiently.

Similarly, Nguyen Duy Kien, an art teacher from Yen Dung High School No. 3 in Bac Giang Province, woke up at 4am on July 25 to bring his 5-year-old son to Hanoi. By 6am, they were at the National Funeral Hall, waiting to pay their respects.

"I want my son to understand the General Secretary's significant contributions during the country's renewal period, which have led to Vietnam's current prosperity," Kien shared. "I hope this experience will always remind him of our history and instill a sense of gratitude."

Mrs. Le Thien Sinh from Hai Duong City also traveled by train with her 13-year-old son and 7-year-old grandson. They hoped to arrive in time to pay their respects.

"In 2013, when General Vo Nguyen Giap passed away, my husband and I, along with our then one-year-old son, also paid our respects. Today, I want my children and grandchildren to learn from our leaders' admirable qualities and understand how deeply loved and mourned they are by the people," Sinh said.

Nguyen Thi Mai Hoa, originally from Nam Dinh, has lived and worked in Hanoi for over a decade. Witnessing the city's and the nation's development, she feels deeply grateful to the Party and the State, especially General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Hoa took two days off work to attend the memorial service. "Surprisingly, when I mentioned my plan, my 12-year-old nephew insisted on coming along," Hoa said.

For Hoa's nephew - 12-year-old Tran Hoang Minh from Gia Lam District, Hanoi - General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong felt like a grandfather, with his white hair and warm voice. Knowing they would have to wait in line for a long time, Minh came prepared with a water bottle for the wait.

N. Huyen – Tinh Le