Pham Thi Thanh Ha held her daughter's hand tightly. Her daughter, Bui Thi Thu Phuong, a lecturer at the logistics academy, was giving birth. At 00:02 on 2/9, a baby boy was born, bringing joy to the family with a military tradition. Both of Ms. Phuong's parents worked at the logistics academy and are now retired.

Ms. Phuong's husband, Tran Quang Huy, also a lecturer at the academy, was on duty for national day and could not be with his wife and child. Ms. Ha said that from the afternoon of 1/9, her daughter went into labor. The family discussed that if the baby was born on 2/9, they would name him Quoc Khanh (National Day).

Being in the delivery room with her daughter for the first time, Ms. Ha was both emotional and joyous as her family welcomed a new member on this special occasion, celebrating independence day with complete happiness. "The whole family is very moved and proud," she said.

Ms. Ha (in yellow) is next to her daughter during labor at the national hospital of obstetrics and gynecology. Photo: Giang Huy

In the bed next to Ms. Phuong, Vu Thi Kim Anh, 24, from Hung Yen, was also in labor at 38 weeks pregnant. She breathed as instructed by the doctor, while her husband, Nguyen Trung Duc, 25, held her hand, encouraging her to overcome the challenge of welcoming their first daughter. He said that since his wife became pregnant, his feelings have always been a mix of worry and anticipation. Tonight, those feelings intensified as the moment of welcoming their child coincided with national day.

"I will tell my daughter about her special birthday. I don't expect her to become a great person, I just hope she grows up safe and happy," he shared. At exactly 00:29, the baby girl's first cry was heard, dispelling the tense atmosphere and bringing joy to the young couple.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim Anh with their first daughter. Photo: Giang Huy

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong, from the department of pathological obstetrics and prenatal diagnosis at the national hospital of obstetrics and gynecology, couldn't hide her emotions when thinking about the special meaning of being on duty on national day. For her, being on duty during the holiday is not a pressure but a part of the job. The greatest happiness is witnessing the cries of newborns on this sacred occasion.

Having worked in the profession for 17 years, she says that every baby's birth brings indescribable emotions. Amidst risky premature births, delivering full-term babies with rosy skin, crying loudly in their parents' arms, is always a complete joy. "Fortunately, the births tonight were all successful, both mothers and babies are healthy," the doctor said.

Giang Huy