Mai wanted his father to see the peace and prosperity that his generation's sacrifices helped achieve.
His father, Nguyen Minh Duc, was a veteran of Unit 10, a special forces unit operating in the Sac Forest. After the war, the wounded soldier returned to Trung Loc commune, Nghe An, married, and had three children. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 72 due to a serious illness.
After his father's death, Mai felt a pang of regret. He realized his father had always wanted to travel with his children but never voiced it due to financial constraints. This National Day, Mai decided to "bring" his father to Hanoi in a special way.
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Mai carries a flag and his father's memorabilia while cycling on Hung Vuong Street, 25/8. Photo: Pham Nga |
Mai carries a flag and his father's memorabilia while cycling on Hung Vuong Street, 25/8. Photo: Pham Nga
In mid-August, Mai refurbished the Thong Nhat bicycle his father used for work and to take his children on outings. On the morning of 20/8, he lit incense at his father's altar, inviting him to "come along." He packed his father's medals, some food, three sets of clothes, a national flag, and a pith helmet onto the bike, and set off.
The journey lasted four days. Each night, he stayed with relatives or acquaintances. "I only ate breakfast and drank water because of the intense sun," he explained, showing his sunburnt arms.
Along the way, people offered him dried food and drinks. They applauded and cheered as they saw the national flag fluttering in the wind.
On 22/8, his bicycle broke down in Phu Ly City (Ninh Binh), forcing him to walk over 4 km. Upon learning of his journey to Hanoi, the bicycle repairman refused payment. On the afternoon of 23/8, Mai arrived in Hanoi and stayed with a fellow villager. "The cycling journey felt smooth and leisurely," he remarked.
The next day, he cycled to Hung Vuong Street to watch the second rehearsal for the parade, but the road was closed, so he had to turn back. "People told me to take a motorbike taxi, but I wanted to take my father's bicycle everywhere," he said.
Mai changed his plan and headed to Tran Duy Hung Street with some friends to watch the military equipment procession. On the morning of 25/8, he cycled to Ba Dinh Square and the National Assembly building, and admired Hoang Dieu Street. He planned to stay in the capital until the end of National Day celebrations so his father could enjoy the atmosphere. After the celebrations, he would cycle to Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong, for his father to "visit" his former unit.
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Mai carries a box containing his father's medals in Hanoi, 25/8. Photo: Pham Nga |
Mai carries a box containing his father's medals in Hanoi, 25/8. Photo: Pham Nga
Despite reaching Hanoi, Mai admitted his regret for his father lingered. During the Vu Lan festival (a Buddhist holiday honoring parents), amidst the crowds eagerly awaiting National Day, the son still carried a sense of longing.
"I hope those who still have their parents will cherish them and bring them joy, don't wait until it's too late like me," he said, hugging the box containing his father's memorabilia, his eyes gazing at the Hanoi streets adorned with flags and flowers.
Mai's belongings for his Hanoi trip. Video: Pham Nga
Pham Nga
