Ha Thi Muc, 91, from Van Xuan commune, Phu Tho province, had long shared her desire with her children and grandchildren: to visit the Military History Museum and witness the 2/9 parade at Ba Dinh Square.

Her grandson, Nguyen Thanh Dat, born in 1995 and living in Hanoi, recounted, “She said, ‘I’m old now. I don’t know how much longer I have. I want to see with my own eyes how strong our country has become.’ It’s something she truly yearned for.”

Seeing that her health was still stable, the family agreed to bring her to Hanoi. She arrived in the capital four days ago, and before the main event, the family plans to visit historic landmarks together.

“Every day she talks about the parade,” Dat said. “She looks at the sky and hopes the weather will be clear so that everyone can enjoy it.”

Muc had also watched the 50th anniversary of the country’s reunification on April 30 via television, eyes glued to the screen, moved to tears at times.

Though concerned about the expected crowds, Dat’s family is carefully planning every detail to ensure her safety and comfort during the parade. Muc, widowed and living with her eldest grandson’s family, remains mentally sharp and physically independent. She has 30 grandchildren and more than 10 great-grandchildren, and can still recall each of their names.

To Dat, his grandmother is the heart of the family. Her presence and passion tie generations together, anchoring their shared sense of belonging and love for their homeland.

A veteran’s secret solo ride to the capital

On the morning of August 21, while his wife went to the market, Tran Van Thanh, a 74-year-old veteran from Nghe An, quietly started his journey to Hanoi by motorbike - alone.

“I’m excited, really excited to see the capital again,” he told VietNamNet while refueling in Thanh Hoa.

Thanh had kept his trip a secret from his family until the very last moment. When asked by his wife and two daughters, he offered vague answers. “I’ll call her when I stop for lunch,” he said. “She didn’t want me to go because she was worried about my health.”

Despite the concern, Thanh felt physically strong and was determined to fulfill his wish. That night, he planned to rest at a friend’s home in Ninh Binh and reach Hanoi by August 22. He declined to share his exact schedule, wishing for personal space on this meaningful journey.

His travel gear included a simple suitcase, a small wooden box of personal items, and most notably, a Vietnamese national flag flying proudly behind his old motorbike.

Thanh had already captured hearts earlier this year when he rode over 1,300 kilometers from Nghe An to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the April 30 celebrations. After the event, he returned home by train. That journey, fueled by patriotic pride and steely resolve, inspired many.

Family support rooted in love and pride

His daughter, Tran Thi Hong Yen, who lives in Khanh Hoa, only learned of his current trip after seeing photos shared online. “Just like in April, we didn’t know until he was already on his way. He kept everything secret,” she said.

Though concerned for his health, Yen admitted, “If it makes him happy, that’s all that matters. After the Ho Chi Minh City trip, he was thrilled and returned home safely with no health issues. That gave us some peace of mind.”

She added that her father didn’t want the attention. “He didn’t want people following him with cameras. He wanted to simply enjoy the sights and the spirit of the country, in his own quiet way.”

In a private yet powerful tribute to national pride, two elders - one a spirited grandmother, the other a resolute veteran - have each embarked on a heartfelt journey to honor their homeland. Their stories remind the country that love for the nation doesn’t fade with age; if anything, it grows stronger with time.

Thanh Minh