Young people in Ho Chi Minh City celebrate Reunification Day with vibrant patriotism

This year, the patriotic spirit is extending far beyond tradition, as new and vibrant expressions of national pride take shape.

Young people are donning ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional costume), holding the national flag, and visiting historical sites to commemorate the reunification of Vietnam.

At the Reunification Palace in District 1, 25-year-old Vu Thu Huong from Hanoi carefully adjusted her white ao dai before posing for a photo with her friends.

“I grew up hearing wartime stories from my father, who is a veteran. Being here [Reunification Palace], seeing it with my own eyes, I feel more connected to history and appreciate our peace even more,” Huong said.

Standing before the gate of the palace which a tank crashed through exactly 50 years ago, she shared her feelings and national pride.

Linh Chi, a 25-year-old resident of Go Vap District, echoed similar sentiments.

She noted that unlike other holidays where social media drives ‘check-in’ culture, this occasion felt different.

“I wish to share meaningful images that reflect my love for the country,” she said.

Apart from the Reunification Palace, Chi and her friends planned visits to other historical sites, including the War Remnants Museum in District 3.

Buzzing holiday economy

A lively atmosphere of selling and photo-taking has filled the palace in recent weeks.

Trinh Minh Hieu, a senior at Ton Duc Thang University, has been selling small national flags for VND10,000 (US$0.38) each to help cover his rent.

“Even though the profit isn’t huge, it helps me make ends meet,” Hieu shared.

He can sell up to 100 flags on weekends.

Beyond commerce, some young people are turning the holiday into an opportunity to give back to society.

Nguyen Binh Chau, 18, a sophomore at a university, shared that he usually charges VND400,000 ($15.4) per photo session.

However, this April, he is offering free photography services to the public at historical sites in the southern metropolis.

“Seeing posts about free ao dai rentals online inspired me. I want to contribute my part to promoting the holiday’s spirit,” said Chau.

Coffee shops join celebrations

Local cafés have also jumped on the Reunification Day bandwagon.

Truong Nguyen Minh Ly, manager of Ward Coffee in District 10, said that the shop had launched themed desserts and beverages decorated with miniature national flags to attract patrons.

These combo sets now account for nearly half of its total orders.

The café has seen a 20–30-percent uptick in customers since it was redecorated with patriotic elements.

“In recent years, many young people have shown a growing interest in expressing their love for the country, especially when inspired by media, movies, and community events,” Ly said.