Exchange Seminar “Pride in National History – Steadfast Steps Toward the Future” at Trưng Vương University -

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), the Youth Union of Trưng Vương University successfully organized the seminar “Pride in National History – Steadfast Steps Toward the Future” with many meaningful activities.

On the afternoon of April 28, 2025, at the university’s main hall, a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere filled the space during the seminar. The event was attended by the university leadership, representatives of faculties and departments, 12 veteran soldiers and ex-servicemen currently working at the university, along with a large number of students and Youth Union members.

The program officially opened at 4:00 PM with an emotional cultural performance, featuring revolutionary songs such as “Voluntary” performed by talented students.

A Tribute from the Youth – Trưng Vương University Youth Union

At 4:25 PM, the event’s highlight took place: a tribute and gift presentation to the 12 veterans currently serving at the university. Youth Union Secretary Trần Thị Thủy and Deputy Secretary Nguyễn Quang Tiến solemnly introduced each veteran and acknowledged their contributions, both during their military service and in their current roles in education.

The honored veterans include:

Mr. Hoàng Văn Bình – Vice Rector
Mr. Phạm Như Nghệ – Vice Rector
Mr. Trịnh Minh Trường – Vice Rector
Col. Hoàng Ngọc Tú – Deputy Political Commissar/Chief Tank Officer, Deputy Branch Secretary
Col. Phạm Xuân Ninh – Director of the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, Deputy Head of the Nursing Faculty
Col. Đàm Đức Hoan – Director of the Vietnam Coast Guard Training Center, Head of the Law Faculty
Col. Nguyễn Xuân Hưởng – Policy Officer, General Staff, General Department of Logistics and Engineering, Head of Administration and Organization
Mr. Phan Huy Hoàng – Officer, Chief Chemical Officer – Chemical Command
Col. Vũ Văn Thuyết – General Department of Logistics and Engineering, Head of Automotive Engineering Faculty
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Luận – Soldier, Regiment 192, Division 355, Corps 1
Mr. Nguyễn Quang Tài – Soldier, Regiment 192, Division 355, Corps 29
Mr. Dương Đức Toàn – Soldier, Regiment 14, Division 313

Powerful Emotions Through Historic Footage

Following the tribute was a screening of documentary footage about the Vietnamese resistance against the U.S., including images of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the moment the revolutionary flag was raised over the Independence Palace at noon on April 30, 1975. Many students were visibly moved by the valuable archival footage portraying a heroic chapter of the nation’s history.

On behalf of the university leadership, Dr. Phạm Như Nghệ expressed heartfelt thanks to the veteran educators who continue to embody the spirit of “morally upright and professionally competent” in their contributions to education.

Emotional Sharing in the Seminar

The formal discussion began at 4:55 PM under the theme “Pride in National History – Steadfast Steps Toward the Future”, drawing active engagement from the students. Three veteran representatives were invited to share their stories:

Mr. Trịnh Minh Trường – Vice Rector
Col. Đàm Đức Hoan – Director of the Vietnam Coast Guard Training Center, currently Head of the Law Faculty
Col. Nguyễn Xuân Hưởng – currently Head of Administration and Organization Department

Mr. Trịnh Minh Trường recounted unforgettable memories from the wartime years and emphasized:
“Please remember, today’s peace was paid for with the blood of many generations. The value of peace, independence, and freedom must be cherished and carried forward.”

Col. Đàm Đức Hoan moved the audience with stories of the country’s renewal and memorable moments from his time at the Coast Guard Training Center.

Col. Nguyễn Xuân Hưởng inspired students with heartfelt advice:
“Your mission today is no less challenging than ours. It is to build a prosperous, happy Vietnam that stands alongside the world’s great nations.”

Pride-Filled Activities

From 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, the program continued with “Pride in Action” activities performed by Youth Union members and students. Flash mobs, folk dances, and group singing brought everyone closer together, creating a strong sense of unity and national pride in keeping with the seminar’s spirit.

At exactly 6:00 PM, the event concluded with a closing ceremony and commemorative group photo. All delegates, teachers, and students joined hands and sang “As If Uncle Ho Were With Us on the Day of Victory”, reaffirming that the spirit of “Pride in National History – Steadfast Steps Toward the Future” will continue to be fostered in the university’s educational environment.

The seminar was not only an occasion for the Youth Union to honor the veteran teachers, but also a valuable opportunity for the younger generation to better understand the nation’s heroic past – inspiring a deeper love for the homeland and a renewed commitment to study and contribute to a prosperous Vietnam.