These days, the heroic atmosphere of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country permeates everywhere in the province. For the veterans who returned after the war, they proudly wear their veteran's uniforms, their chests adorned with resistance medals. When watching documentary films about the campaign or recalling the days of fighting alongside their comrades, the veterans cannot help but feel emotional, reminiscing about the heroic memories and also the pain and loss on the battlefield of the past.

At the age of 19, young Luong Van Duong, from Mat village, Muong Leo commune, Song Ma district (now Lieng village, Muong Leo commune, Sop Cop district), enlisted in the army and participated in glorious battles in Laos, the Central Highlands Campaign, and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign. At 73, a 4th-degree disabled veteran, Mr. Duong said: "The ferocity of war caused so many of my comrades to fall. They were all young soldiers who sacrificed their youth and lives for a great ideal: contributing to the revolution to liberate the nation. For me, being alive and returning to my family is a blessing, but that joy is never complete, because in my heart, there is a longing for my comrades who still lie on the battlefields of the past." Achieving independence and freedom is not easy, so I hope that today's young generation will remember the contributions of previous generations, strive, and work hard to build and protect the Fatherland in this new era.

Son La Youth Union members offer incense at the Son La Prison Martyrs' Cemetery.

One of the most active groups in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country was the youth union members, teenagers, and children. From the Provincial Youth Union to grassroots youth organizations and schools, many outstanding activities were organized, such as: journeys to historical sites and revolutionary landmarks; candle-lighting ceremonies; national flag parades; seminars on revolutionary education and communication; cultural exchanges promoting revolutionary songs; a "ringing the golden bell" quiz on history; extracurricular activities exploring the Ho Chi Minh Campaign and reenacting the moment when liberation army tanks entered the Independence Palace… The heroic spirit and pride of the younger generation have been spreading strongly, affirming that today's youth not only remember the contributions of their ancestors to national independence but also further develop that tradition in an even deeper and better way.

The Youth Union of Sop Cop High School offered incense to the heroic martyrs at the Sop Cop District Martyrs' Cemetery.

Red candles were lit on the graves of the heroic martyrs. Incense sticks were offered in respectful gratitude to the generations of ancestors who sacrificed themselves for the country and its people; meaningful gifts and acts of sharing were presented... These were some of the activities organized by the Son La Provincial Youth Union at the Candlelight Ceremony of Gratitude at the Son La Prison Martyrs' Cemetery.

Participating in the incense offering ceremony at the Son La Prison Martyrs' Cemetery, Mr. Vi Tuan Bao, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, said: "The candle-lighting ceremony is a meaningful activity aimed at educating the younger generation about the contributions of their ancestors who bravely fought and sacrificed to win independence and unify the country. At the same time, it raises awareness and responsibility among young people regarding building and protecting the Fatherland, maintaining peace, independence, and freedom of the nation."

Veterans from Yen Bai province view the photo exhibition "Song of Unification" at the Provincial Museum.

Meanwhile, at Nguyen Trai Secondary School, the city organized a "Golden Bell Ringing" competition with the theme "Following the Course of History." Bui Hoang Linh, a student in class 9A2 and the winner of the "Golden Bell Ringing" competition, shared: "Through extracurricular activities, I have gained a better understanding of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the glorious achievements of our army and people in the resistance war for national independence. I know that the peace we enjoy today is thanks to the great contributions and sacrifices of previous generations, so I will try my best to study well so that I can contribute to building and protecting my homeland in the future."

Son La joyfully looks forward to the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country.

Prior to the momentous event – ​​the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the Reunification of the Country – the Provincial People's Committee directed departments, agencies, political and social organizations, and localities to intensify information and propaganda about this important historical event; to develop plans for organizing activities that are solemn and practical; to develop plans to ensure security and order in the area; to carry out environmental sanitation and urban beautification work on streets and areas where activities take place. Functional forces intensified inspections of food safety and hygiene, fire prevention and control at restaurants, hotels, etc., to ensure social order and safety, creating a positive impression for tourists visiting and experiencing the locality during the holiday. Districts, cities, and towns, based on their specific conditions, developed plans to organize commemorative activities that are joyful, healthy, safe, and economical.

A cultural performance at the art program themed "The Glory of Vietnam" at Northwest Square.

In Son La city, the political center of the province, it's as if it's been given a new look. The streets are adorned with national flags, banners, slogans, and flagpoles. Flowerbeds, ornamental plants, and street lighting along the main roads and in the Northwest Square area are beautifully decorated. Activities celebrating the anniversary are taking place everywhere in the city. From schools and residential areas to supermarkets and cafes, the city is ablaze with the colors of the national flag.

One of the most outstanding events was the art program themed "The Glory of Vietnam," held on the evening of April 26th at Northwest Square by the Provincial People's Committee. Featuring 17 captivating song, dance, and music performances, over 200 artists and performers from the Provincial Song and Dance Theatre, students from Son La College, soldiers from the Provincial Military Command, and a spectacular stage lighting and sound system, the program vividly recreated the heroic historical period of the nation, highlighting significant events in the resistance wars against France and the United States, and the struggle for independence and freedom for the people. It affirmed national pride and self-respect, the faith of the people and military of Son La in the light of the Party, the revolution, and the beloved President Ho Chi Minh; and created a spirit of enthusiastic emulation among the people of Son La in the period of renewal.

Attending the art performance in person, Ms. Mui Thi Ngoc from Moc Chau town said: "This is a very good and unique art program. I feel like I am living through the historical days of the resistance war and the days of the great victory of the nation. I am truly proud and moved."

Youth Union members of Púng Bánh commune, Sốp Cộp district, visited and inquired about the well-being of veterans who participated in the Southern battlefield.

In the border district of Sop Cop, during the historic month of April, the main roads of the district center were adorned with vibrant red flags with yellow stars; large banners were hung at intersections throughout the district. Ms. Tong Thi Quyen, Head of the District's Department of Culture, Science and Information, said: Along with hanging banners and slogans, the District's Communication and Culture Center deployed two mobile propaganda vehicles to promote the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam along the routes from the district center to the communes of Dom Cang, Pung Banh, Muong Va, and Nam Lanh. The District People's Committee organized a 7-a-side men's football tournament and cultural exchange, creating a lively and proud atmosphere leading up to the anniversary of national reunification.

The Youth Union of Tay Bac University with its youth project in response to the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam.

Activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country in Son La province have clearly demonstrated the role and responsibility of the entire political and social system in honoring the immense contributions and noble sacrifices of previous generations for national independence.

These activities not only widely disseminate the historical, cultural, and revolutionary traditions of the nation, but also cultivate and promote patriotism, self-reliance, and creativity among Party committees, government agencies, mass organizations, cadres, Party members, armed forces personnel, and the people of all ethnic groups in Son La. At the same time, they affirm the determination of today's generation to continue the traditions of their ancestors and work together to build a prosperous, civilized, and modern Son La.