For the past 10 days, people gathered on Quan Thanh, Thanh Nien, and Hung Vuong streets have become familiar with a woman in her 40s, constantly collecting trash and blowing a whistle. This is Dau Thi Thang, a swimming coach at the Ba Dinh Sports Center.

The idea came to her after the rehearsal on 21/8. Witnessing the litter scattered across Quan Thanh street – where she works – while sanitation workers toiled through the night, she felt compelled to act.

"The streets were adorned with flags and flowers, every tree and patch of grass meticulously cared for. I felt I had to do something to help maintain this beauty," Thang shared.

From 23/8, the coach embarked on her special mission. Equipped with only a few large nylon bags and the whistle she uses for training, she walked from Quan Thanh and Thanh Nien streets to Hung Vuong, weaving through the waiting crowds. Every 10 minutes, her whistle would blow, followed by the call: "Anyone have trash for me?".

Instead of letting people find their own disposal spots, she actively approached each group, cheerfully accepting bottles, plastic bags, and styrofoam containers. Her actions created a friendly atmosphere. Many people initially hesitated to eat and drink for fear of littering, but then felt more at ease. "Everyone can enjoy the national celebrations, I'll take care of the trash," she said.

Thang didn't just collect trash; she also lifted spirits by leading the crowd in revolutionary songs, making the wait less tedious.

Hai Trang, 25, from Ngoc Ha ward, initially thought Thang was a sanitation worker. "At first, I thought she was on duty, but when I learned she was a volunteer, I was truly impressed," Trang said.

Thang planned to work during the official parade days, but seeing people queuing 2-3 days prior, she rearranged her schedule to be there daily. She started when the crowds arrived and finished when the streets cleared. The collected trash was neatly piled for collection by the sanitation company's specialized vehicles.

Images and videos of the "whistle-blowing trash collector" were widely shared on social media, receiving tens of thousands of likes and admiring comments. However, Thang insisted her actions weren't for fame. "I just wanted to contribute and ease the burden on sanitation workers and officials," she said.

In addition to cleaning up trash, Thang has also been volunteering to assist veterans in reaching priority seating areas to watch the parade since 24/8. *Photo: Provided by the subject*

Her work extended beyond trash collection. She also became a guide, assisting veterans from across the country who had come to Hanoi. Seeing elderly men and women struggling amidst the crowds, she proactively offered assistance and led them to priority areas. She even publicized her phone number for anyone needing help.

Thanks to her efforts, several Hanoi families opened their homes to veterans, offering free accommodation. She also obtained permission from the Ba Dinh Sports Center to open its doors, providing a place for people to rest and use restrooms.

Dau Thi Thang, swimming coach at the Ba Dinh Sports Center. *Photo: Provided by the subject*

On the afternoon of 2/9, after the parade ended and the streets were clean, Thang lingered, taking a veteran to lunch and helping him catch a bus back to Hai Phong.

"During these important national days, being able to contribute in my small way brings me happiness," Thang said.

Quynh Nguyen