At 6 o’clock on September 2, the Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square took place in a dignified and quiet atmosphere, without the massive presence of the people as usual. The whole country is in the fervent fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Flag Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square on the National Day. Photo: Ngoc Tu

The city's decoration to celebrate the occasion has been more austere this year. Flags, flowers, and banners commemorating the nation’s great holiday are only hung in historically significant areas such as the Hanoi Opera House, around the State Bank building, Ba Dinh Square, among others. Due to the pandemic, almost no cultural activities, exhibitions, and entertainment events are held to celebrate the special day.

Despite being welcomed in a quiet atmosphere, the National Day has not lost its inherent meaning and solemnity. Hanoians salute the holiday with the unyielding will and belief in a better tomorrow.

Writer Nguyen Ngoc Tien stated that in any circumstances, National Day always plays an important role as a meaningful event in the nation’s history.

“The September 2 Celebration brings a lot of emotions for the elders like me specifically – the people who witnessed first-hand the dawn of the country. It reminds me of other significant events that have never faded into oblivion” he said, “This is also an opportunity for the young generation to appreciate the merits of their forefathers, so they would appreciate the present peace more.”

“Although Hanoi is not hosting grandiose and vibrant celebrations this year, it is still celebrating the holiday in a different but ever more respectful way,” he added.

The solemn ceremony took place at Ba Dinh Square, opposite Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Photo: Ngoc Tu

With the motto “no one is left behind” upheld by the local government, Hanoi people are welcoming the National Day in the warmth of sharing.

According to the Director of the Hanoi Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Bach Lien Huong, by the end of August 29, Hanoi has already provided social security support to over 2.34 million people who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The total value of the support package was VND750 billion (US$32.8m), of which, VND597 billion ($26m) is sourced from the government budget and nearly other VND153 billion ($6.7m) raised from kindhearted people.

In addition, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi city has carried out many activities such as: supporting 100% of poor households with a gift worth VND1 million ($43.8); organizing “Zero-dong Market”, “Zero-dong Sales Booth”, “Free Gift” and so on.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung stated that the fight against the pandemic requires the iron will from both the political system and the people. He urged people to persevere in observing social distancing rules seriously. Dung also believes that with the consensus of the people and the determination of the whole political system, Hanoi will repel the fourth wave of the pandemic before long.