As Vietnam commemorates 50 years of national reunification, a delegation of former international war correspondents who once reported from the frontlines - and reporters from countries that supported Vietnam’s struggle - have returned to HCMC.

We met former Vice President Truong My Hoa on a sun-drenched day in Saigon, in a modest home with a shaded courtyard where three star fruit trees hung heavy with fruit.

Exploring the Phu Tho Hoa Tunnels, young Vietnamese gain newfound respect for the resilience of previous generations.

In April 1975, amid fierce battles on land, Vietnam launched a daring, secret mission to reclaim the Truong Sa Islands, securing sovereignty in an extraordinary campaign.

"We crafted red stars, pinned them to our chests, and wore them proudly as signs of victory. We were a victorious army," recalled Hoang Thi Khanh, her voice brimming with emotion as she recounted the early days of May 1975 at Con Dao.

After 21 years of separation, former Vice President Truong My Hoa's family reunited on the day Vietnam was liberated, marking an emotional milestone born from sacrifice.

Huynh Van Cang, a living witness to Vietnam’s reunification, shares memories of loyalty, sacrifice, and pride after 50 years.

When writing about Major General Pham Xuan An, Professor and historian Larry Berman promised not to reveal any information that could harm others. Nearly 20 years later, that promise still holds.

Fifty years ago today, pilots Tu De and Tran Van On were members of the "Quyet Thang" Squadron, participating in a historic, once-in-a-lifetime strike against Tan Son Nhat Airport.

Beside the swimming pool of one of Hanoi’s oldest five-star hotels, a small staircase leads guests down into a hidden bomb shelter, buried deep beneath the ground.

Nguyen The Long, once believed to have died in battle, has reunited with his family after 45 years of wandering, a reality even he cannot believe.

When he wrote a letter using blood as ‘ink’ asking to join the army, Nguyen Duc Tho never imagined that he would become a naval commando, firing the first B40 shot in one of the final battles of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.

Once on the opposing side, Tran Van On joined the Quyet Thang Squadron, delivering a critical strike on Tan Son Nhat Airport, contributing to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign’s victory in 1975.

On April 30, 1975, architect Nguyen Huu Thai witnessed Vietnam’s Liberation Flag raised, Duong Van Minh’s surrender, and Trinh Cong Son’s historic performance.

The 104-year-old mother broke down when her son’s remains returned home after five decades. Her words touched the hearts of all who heard them.

As Vietnam marks 50 years of reunification, memories of the fierce battle that breached the “steel gate” at Xuan Loc and led to the final push into Saigon flood back like a vivid film in the mind of Major General Nguyen Ngoc Doanh.

This nationwide expression of gratitude will be disbursed on April 30, at the same time with the Reunification Day celebrations.

In just 24 hours, a revolutionary lawyer turned police chief dismaned Saigon’s defenses and paved the way for peace.

A soldier shares his gripping account of the battle that led to the historic surrender on April 30.