The Vietnam Summer Camp 2024 kicked off on the evening of July 16 at the Military History Museum in Hanoi. This annual event provides an opportunity for young overseas Vietnamese from around the world to return home and learn about their country.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and young overseas Vietnamese at the opening ceremony of Vietnam Summer Camp 2024. Photos: Hoang Nam

With the theme "The Country Filled with Joy," this year's Summer Camp is significant as it commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital, towards the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification. The Summer Camp is welcoming 120 delegates from 27 countries and territories.

The Vietnam Summer Camp is not just a mere vacation; it's an opportunity for young overseas Vietnamese to gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and roots. Through this experience, they will cherish their country more, be more appreciative of its rich cultural traditions, and contribute to its continued progress.

A performance at the event.

Speaking to The Hanoi Times, Benz Pham (Pham Minh Kien), 16, from Laos, said that he has had the opportunity to visit Vietnam a few times since he was a child. He is always amazed and proud to see Vietnam's progress toward prosperity and modernization with each visit.

"But perhaps what is most deeply ingrained in my mind is the diligence of the Vietnamese people," he said. "I see that the pace of life in Hanoi, the capital, has remained bustling and energetic all these years. The people here seem tireless. Their ' get it done' attitude is why the country is developing so rapidly."

The Summer Camp provides a platform for overseas Vietnamese delegates to meet, exchange, share experiences, and strengthen ties with each other, as well as with youth from within the country. This is one of the most anticipated aspects for the participants. Everyone involved looks forward to making new friends and sharing unforgettable experiences together during the two-week camp.

Bryan Lim (Nguyen Tung Lam) told The Hanoi Times that he has already made many new friends in a short time. "I want to speak Vietnamese well," he said. Bryan believes that sharing a common language and heritage will be the bridge that connects all the camp members.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, welcomed the young overseas Vietnamese who have returned to attend the Vietnam Summer Camp 2024.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang gave the opening speech.

"Having ancestors and roots is like a tree having a base, a river having a source," she said. "Returning to the homeland is always a deep longing that arouses a sacred feeling."

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed her hope that through the enriching and practical activities of the Summer Camp, young Vietnamese students and overseas youth will foster patriotism, national pride, and self-esteem, maintain strong ties with their homeland, and work together with youth at home to strive for an independent, democratic, and unified Vietnam that is strong, prosperous, and plays a significant role in the region and the world.

Nguyen Phu Binh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his delight at attending the opening ceremony and witnessing the continued support and development of the Summer Camp over the past 20 years, demonstrating its enduring value.

From July 14-29, 2024, the Summer Camp will take place in various localities across the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam. Starting in the capital city of Hanoi, the Summer Camp will travel to the cities and provinces of Phu Tho, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Quy Nhon, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and conclude in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Summer Camp is welcoming 120 delegates from 27 countries and territories.

During the Summer Camp, delegates will pay tribute to ancestors and fallen heroes. The Summer Camp aims to enable overseas youth to express their deep gratitude to the previous generations who sacrificed for the nation's independence and freedom.

As well as visiting renowned historical and cultural sites, the Summer Camp will help delegates gain a deeper understanding of the nation's traditions, customs, and practices.