 Hanoi is decorated with national flags and patriotic banners as the city marks 50 years of national reunification. |
B: On this occasion, from more than 460 letters, emails, and phone calls received from listeners in 33 countries and territories, we were sent many messages of congratulations, personal stories, and praise for Vietnam’s development over the past 50 years. Thank you so much for reaching out—we treasure every message.
A: Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe of Romania wrote: “On the solemn and historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification, I would like to extend my most heartfelt congratulations to VOV, as well as to the Vietnamese people, both in Vietnam and abroad. April 30, 1975, stands as a symbol of heroic sacrifice, resilience, and the unyielding desire for national unity and peace. As a long-time friend of Vietnam and an admirer of its culture, history, and achievements, I deeply appreciate the progress the country has made since reunification, in economic development, social progress, and its growing voice on the global stage.”
 The rehearsal officially begins with the flag-raising ceremony, accompanied by a 21-gun salute conducted by the ceremonial artillery team at Bach Dang Wharf. |
B: Juan Diez in Spain wrote: “The charming Ho Chi Minh City is filled with joy to celebrate the Great Festival of the Nation—the Day of the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. The international delegations all gathered to share the sacred happiness with the Vietnamese people on the day of the country's reunion, a prosperous future.”
A: Juan, your message captured the festive spirit and emotional significance of April 30 Victory so vividly. Thank you for your warmth and friendship.
B: Johnny A. Ramírez López in Peru shared another touching reflection. He wrote: “Just like in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sa Pa, Son La, Hue or Da Nang – where the sound of Voice of Vietnam resonates in the heart of the familiar streets and mountains – in the far South, in the distant land of Peru, we also quietly listen to every word broadcast from our homeland Vietnam. Between the distance of the ocean and the continent, that voice still regularly crosses the waves, carrying the breath of the S-shaped country, warming the hearts of many people living far away and touching the feelings of international friends.”
A: Johnny, your words truly moved us. We’re so honored that VOV’s voice reaches you in Peru, connecting us across continents and bringing a piece of Vietnam to your heart.
 After the speeches delivered by Party and State leaders, representatives of war veterans, and Vietnamese young people come the full rehearsal of the military parade. |
B: We also want to thank Jayanta Chakrabarty from New Delhi, India, who sent us an email and a photo of a newspaper article published on April 30 in the India Times. “Through this, I would like to send my congratulations to you, express my respect to the heroic Vietnamese people, and wish your country to develop more and more, especially in economy (economically) and in science and technology.”
A: Jayanta, what a thoughtful way to connect with us and our listeners! We really appreciate you sharing that article, and we echo your wish for continued growth and prosperity in Vietnam.
B: In his email to VOV this week, Amir Jameel of Pakistan wrote: “The Voice of Vietnam English Service deserves heartfelt appreciation for its outstanding coverage of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's national reunification. By providing 24-hour updates to a global audience, the service has played a vital role in deepening our understanding of this historic milestone. Through informative programs, insightful reports, and engaging storytelling, it has brought the spirit, history, and significance of national reunification to life for listeners around the world. We extend our sincere congratulations to the dedicated staff and management of the Voice of Vietnam English Service for their exceptional performance and commitment to excellence in broadcasting.”
A: Let us remind you all, our dear listeners around the world, to express your love for and understanding of Vietnam, please participate in our “What do you know about Vietnam” contest, which is running until June 15.
B: So far, we have received a number of entries from listeners from different countries and continents. They are well designed, elaborated and very emotional, which we believe will make the judges difficult to pick the best ones.
B: To answer the questions of the contest, we suggest you check our website at vovworld.vn, search with tags, and find related articles. Since we post all broadcast articles on the internet, it’s much easier for listeners to find materials to participate in the contest.
A: One of the key points that we think makes your entry stand out is the sharing of your personal experience, impressions and love for Vietnam.
B: So, to all listeners of VOVWorld’s English Service, you only have one month and one week left to send in your entries. June 15, 2025 is our deadline. We hope to receive your enthusiastic participation and welcome you to Vietnam one day. We wish you all the best of luck.
A: You’re listening to our weekly Letter Box. In their letters and emails, many listeners also sent congratulations to Vietnamese people on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2025), a triumph that shook the world, ended colonial rule, and laid the foundation for Vietnam’s future as an independent, unified nation.
 French historian Alain Ruscio (L) (Photo: VOV Bureau in Paris) |
A: French historian Alain Ruscio said, “The Dien Bien Phu victory was a successful combination of patriotism and love of the Vietnamese people under the wise leadership of President Ho Chi Minh.”
“Dien Bien Phu was an important event in Vietnamese history. This victory was the result of a difficult battle. Beginning as a struggle of General Vo Nguyen Giap’s army, the course of the war changed toward the ‘people's struggle’. It was no longer a war of soldiers only, but of the consensus, sacrifice, and determination of the whole nation,” said the French historian.
B: Reda El Taify, Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam in the 2010-2014 tenure, said the Dien Bien Phu campaign was one of the most famous battles in history.
 Reda El Taify, Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam in the 2010-2014 tenure (Photo: VOV) |
Reda El Taify said: “It can be said that the Dien Bien Phu was one of the most important battles in world history, on a par with Waterloo, Pearl Harbor, the Normandy campaign, the tank battle at Kursk, the attack on Berlin in World War II, and the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The Dien Bien Phu victory ended French colonial rule not just in Vietnam but in Asia.”
A: 71 years after the Dien Bien Phu victory, many international scholars and historical researchers agree that the lessons of the Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7, 1954, remain valuable. Vietnam is a pioneering country and a shining symbol of national liberation that opened a new page in the history of humanity.
B: This month has been full of national pride and emotion for all Vietnamese people. We wish you were here with us these days to merge in the joyful atmosphere.
A: Once again, thank you all for sending feedback on our programs. Your letters and love give us strength and inspiration.
B: That’s it for this week’s Letter Box. Keep writing, keep listening, and until next time. Goodbye from Hanoi!