Vietnam Treasures Chinese Veterans’ Contributions to Its Fight for National Independence
	Former American Soldier and the Violin’s Echo at Son My Memorial

The article portrays photos of the elderly veteran dressed in a faded military uniform, riding an old motorbike with the national red flag waving behind him. His modest luggage includes a small suitcase and a box of cooking supplies.

Article about veteran Tran Van Thanh on Prensa Latina. (Screenshot: Mai Anh)

Thanh served in the brutal battles in the central province of Quang Tri between 1968 and 1974. He set off on his journey on April 17, traveling roughly 150-200 kilometers a day. Along the way, he stops to light incense at cemeteries and former battlefields in honor of his fallen comrades. Initially, he told his family he would be taking a coach bus, but once his story spread across social media, he received an outpouring of support from people across the country.

“At restaurants, they won’t let me pay. People buy me drinks. Everyone encourages and supports me so I can reach Ho Chi Minh City in time for April 30,” shared Thanh.

Quoted by Prensa Latina, Thanh said: “I wanted to ride my motorbike not only to revisit the old battlefield, but also to see how the towns and cities along the way have changed in the 50 years since reunification. The heat these past few days has been exhausting, but I’m happy to see how much our country has developed and become more modern”.

Tran Van Thanh with his belongings on the journey from Vinh City (Nghe An) to Ho Chi Minh City to watch the military parade on April 30.

Prensa Latina praised Thanh’s journey as a source of inspiration. Social media has been flooded with emotional posts tracking his progress. Many people have expressed their willingness to help, offering words of encouragement and wishing him a safe journey.

His ride is more than just a personal pilgrimage. It has become a powerful symbol of the connection between Vietnam’s heroic past and its present-day progress, a reflection of enduring patriotism and the resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Thai Nguyen's Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association Pays Respects to Veterans The Party, State and people of Vietnam have sent tens of thousands of officers and soldiers to coordinate, help and fight alongside the army and ...

Vietnam Women's Union in Germany Presents Gifts to Veterans in Thai Binh On July 24, the Vietnam Women's Union in the Federal Republic of Germany organized a gift-giving program for veterans and relatives of veterans in Vu ...