From the concert 'Fatherland in the heart' thinking about the future of the country

On the evening of August 10, the sky of Hanoi seemed to be wearing a special coat. My Dinh National Stadium was brightly lit, like a giant heart beating strongly in the heart of the capital. I entered that space with an excited mood, but I did not expect that just a few hours later, I would leave with a different feeling - deep, proud and full of faith in the future of the country.

As soon as the first chords sounded, I understood that this would not be just an ordinary concert. Fatherland in the Heart is not simply a concert; it is a musical journey that brings listeners back to the memories and unchanging values of the nation. From profound lyrical songs like Homeland Melody to vibrant epics like Tien Quan Ca , Nhu Co Bac Ho Trong Ngay Hanh Dai Thang, each musical note is like the synchronized heartbeats of thousands of people carrying within them the love for the country.

My Dinh Stadium attracted 50,000 spectators who filled the field with the red flag with yellow star. Photo: Thach Thao

At the moment when tens of thousands of spectators raised the red flag with a yellow star, the whole stadium joined in singing “Vietnam, Vietnam, sing forever with pride, Vietnam!”, I felt like I was witnessing a miniature historical moment. The tears that fell were not only mine, because it was not just music, but the call of the Fatherland echoing from the length of history, reminding us that we belong here and that each person is responsible for the future of this land.

In the middle of the crowd, I saw a boy about ten years old, wearing a red shirt with a yellow star printed on it, holding his father’s hand tightly, his eyes shining as he looked at the stage, his lips humming along. On the other side, a group of young people put their arms around each other’s shoulders, singing and livestreaming to send this image to friends abroad. Not far away, an old man with white hair, still patiently sat from the beginning to the end of the program, not missing a single song. People of very different ages, occupations, circumstances… but on that night, they seemed to share the same heartbeat.

I suddenly realized that this is the power of patriotic music - it makes no distinction, does not need lofty arguments, just a timely melody, a lyric that touches the heart, is enough to unite millions of people. If someone asked me: What can a concert do for the future of the country?, my answer would be: it arouses emotions - something that every great action needs. A nation that wants to go far needs aspiration and that aspiration comes not only from strategic plans, political resolutions but also from seemingly simple emotions like when we sing about our Fatherland.

In the context of the country entering a new era - the era of global integration, digital transformation, and green development - music nights like Fatherland in the Heart remind us of our roots: patriotism and national pride. That is the foundation for us to accept new things without losing our identity, to be ready to compete but still retain the Vietnamese soul.

Leaving the stadium, I wondered: after the applause, the lights and the melodies, what will we do next? How can that pride be transformed into concrete strength in life? The answer, I think, lies in each person.

For artists, it could be creating more works that touch people’s hearts, spreading the image of Vietnam to the world. For businessmen, it is making quality products, bringing Vietnamese brands to international level. For scientists, it is researching technologies to help the country develop sustainably. And for ordinary citizens like me, it could be small but meaningful things like preserving the living environment, respecting the law, loving and helping our fellow countrymen.

Artists participating in the concert "Fatherland in the heart". Photo: Thach Thao

Never before have I seen the country facing so many opportunities as it does now. The economy is growing, its international position is improving, science and technology are opening doors like never before. But never before have we faced so many challenges: climate change, global competition, the risk of losing our identity. Therefore, what I feel from the Fatherland in my heart is not only pride but also a reminder: we must work together to build a Vietnam that is not only rich and strong but also happy and humane - a country where every citizen feels safe, respected and has the opportunity to develop.

It is often said that a nation’s soft power lies in its culture, and music – especially patriotic music – is one of the most powerful means of nurturing that power. When a song like “My Homeland Vietnam” is played, not only Vietnamese people in the country but also overseas Vietnamese all over the world feel a sense of belonging.

I recall images of Vietnamese art performances at international events when foreign audiences stood up and applauded, many of whom said they did not understand all the lyrics, but felt the affection, pride and energy of the Vietnamese people. The same goes for Fatherland in the Heart - it is not only a night of music for Hanoi audiences but also a message sent to the world: Vietnam is a peace-loving, compassionate nation, but always steadfast in defending the Fatherland.

Stepping out of the stadium, I saw the Hanoi sky still brightly lit, but inside me was a different light - the light of faith. I believe that if we keep that flame of patriotism in our hearts, no matter how many challenges lie ahead, we will still walk together towards a worthy future. That future, I imagine, is a Vietnam where every autumn, the Fatherland in our hearts still resonates everywhere; where today's children will grow up with pride and responsibility; where every citizen, no matter where they are, will always feel happy to say: "I am Vietnamese".

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