Half a century after the country was reunified, students at FPT University not only remember the sacrifices of their forebears through the pages of history books but also transform their gratitude into action, nurturing big dreams for the future.
Honoring a Heroic Past Through Family Stories
April 30, 1975, stands as a monumental day in Vietnam’s national history, marking an unforgettable milestone in the struggle for independence and freedom. For students at FPT University, this is not just a commemorative date written in textbooks but a living memory passed down in family stories — emotional recollections shared by grandparents and parents, who are living witnesses to that historic era.
Though they did not experience war firsthand, today’s Gen Z deeply empathize with the sacrifices and losses of past generations. For them, April 30 is not only symbolized by the victorious flag flying high in celebration but also by the immense sacrifice of millions that secured the country’s peace and independence.
Ngo Minh Khoi (K20, Multimedia Communication) shared: “I still remember those evenings around the family dinner table, when my grandparents recounted wartime stories. These stories are not just memories — they are motivation for me to better understand the value of peace. The day our country was reunified marked not only the end of suffering but also the beginning of a new chapter where future generations could live in safety, with freedom and opportunity.”
Pham Thi Thanh Na (K19, Multimedia Communication) also remembers April 30 through the emotional stories of her grandfather. She said: “He often talked about the moment when the whole village erupted in tears of joy upon hearing the news of the South’s liberation. For me, April 30 represents not only geographic unification but also the rebirth of hope and trust in every person. It’s a milestone that lives on not only in history but in the hearts of every Vietnamese.”
Excelling in Studies: The Most Practical Form of Patriotism
This year, Ho Chi Minh City will hold a national-level military parade on April 30 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. In recent days, the public has been filled with anticipation, witnessing the rehearsals and final preparations for the main event. Across the streets of Saigon, national flags are proudly displayed. On media platforms and social networks, images of parade units marching in perfect synchrony have been widely shared, stirring waves of national pride.
For FPT University students, watching the solemn parade unfold in the city center is a profoundly meaningful experience. Minh Khoi (K20, Multimedia Communication) shared: “Seeing the power of unity and national pride expressed through every marching step gives me a deeper appreciation for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.”
In addition to the parade, Ho Chi Minh City is hosting numerous events such as photo exhibitions on Nguyen Hue walking street, historical film screenings, 3D mapping displays at the City Hall, and fireworks at 30 locations citywide. On this occasion, many students like Lu Pham Ngoc Thien (K19 – Corporate Finance) and Pham Thi Thanh Na (K19 – Multimedia Communication) have made plans to attend exhibitions, watch historical films, visit martyrs’ cemeteries, or return to their hometowns to pay respects to their ancestors. “I take part in these activities to better understand our nation’s journey of nation-building and defense. We are profoundly grateful for the tremendous sacrifices of previous generations,” Ngoc Thien shared.
Alongside these community activities, FPT University students are also using the holiday break to review their coursework, sharpen their skills, and prepare for upcoming exams, projects, and research topics. For them, excelling in their studies is the most practical way to carry forward the dreams of past generations and contribute to building a prosperous and resilient nation in peacetime. Nguyen Thi Thanh Dieu (K20 – Multimedia Communication) expressed: “I clearly feel the responsibility of our generation to study hard and work well, so that our country can grow ever stronger.”