76-year-old war veteran arrives in Ho Chi Minh City for Reunification Day parade after 1,300km motorbike ride

Despite the long journey, Thanh remained energetic when arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, embodying the spirit of a Vietnamese soldier.

Welcomed warmly by local residents, he visited iconic landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House and Reunification Palace, and even experienced a ride on the city’s first metro line.

Previously, the war veteran association in Quang Trung Ward, Vinh City, Nghe An Province confirmed that Thanh joined the military in 1970 and served on the Quang Tri battlefield before retiring in 1991.

The association also asked the organizer of the 50th anniversary of the country’s Reunification Day in Ho Chi Minh City to support Thanh’s participation in the event’s activities.

Flipping through his notebook documenting the journey through 14 provinces and cities, Thanh shared that at around 10:00 am on April 17, he packed his personal belongings onto his motorbike and set off for Ho Chi Minh City.

His luggage was simple, including a suitcase of clothes, a box of cooking supplies, and a set of motorbike repair tools.

Choosing not to travel by plane or train, Thanh said he wanted to witness first-hand how the country had changed over the past 50 years of reunification.

Along the way, he stopped at the Vinh Linh Martyr’s Cemetery and the old Quang Tri battlefield in north-central Quang Tri Province to pay tribute to his fallen comrades.

“I rode about 150 kilometers each day," he said.

"Along the way, people treated me with the same respect they had for soldiers in the old days. 

"They offered me food and water, and I was deeply moved. 

"Everyone encouraged and supported me to reach Ho Chi Minh City in time for April 30."

The image of the elderly veteran in a faded military uniform, riding an old motorbike with the national red flag flying behind him, touched the hearts of many people and inspired a strong sense of patriotism, especially among the younger generation.

Amid the crowd watching the parade rehearsal in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday morning, Thanh said, “The weather has been hot these past few days, and I’m a bit tired, but I feel really happy and proud to see how much our homeland has developed and become more modern.”

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh was given accommodations by the Nghe An Fellowship Association in the southern region.

Vietnam Railways also pledged to assist with his and his motorbike’s return to Nghe An after the Reunification Day celebration on April 30.