Journey back to roots for the youth of the diplomatic sector: Gratitude, inheritance, and continuation
WVR - On August 16–17, the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, a member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, collaborated with the Youth Union of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs and the Dong Nai Department of External Relations to organize a journey back to historical sites.
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| The Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Youth Union of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations and representatives of the Dong Nai Department of External Relations at the Ta Thiet Special National Historical Site – base of the Southern Command. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
This meaningful activity contributes to celebrating the success of the first Party Congress of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2025–2030 term, while also commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam's diplomatic sector (August 28, 1945 – August 28, 2025).
Imprints of the historical journey
According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, the trip was not only a practical activity but also a journey of gratitude, reminding young officials of the revolutionary roots, helping them better understand national history and the sacrifices of previous generations in the struggle for independence—thereby fostering patriotism and a sense of responsibility to the country.
This is also an opportunity for the young generation of the diplomatic sector to “carry the flame” of pride and determination to build a strong, comprehensive, modern and professional Vietnamese diplomacy, meeting political tasks in the new era.
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| The delegation at the Ta Thiet base. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
As part of the program, the delegation visited the Ta Thiet Special National Historical Site – the headquaters of the Southern Command, where strategic decisions of the resistance for national liberation were made. At this base’s hall, the Politburo approved the historic decision for the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, paving the way for the complete victory of April 30, 1975.
The delegation then visited the Guest House – headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. From 1969 to 1975, this site welcomed foreign delegations and witnessed intense diplomatic negotiation battles associated with the Paris Agreement. Members of the Youth Union listened firsthand to the resilience and creativity of Vietnamese diplomacy during the resistance against the United States.
In addition, the delegation offered incense at the Provincial Martyrs’ Cemetery in Dong Tam Commune, honouring the sacrifices of heroes and martyrs. This activity holds profound educational significance, helping participants fully appreciate the value of independence, freedom, and the peace aspirations for which previous generations greatly sacrificed.
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| Members of the youth delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visit officers and soldiers of Bu Gia Map Border Guard Station, Dong Nai. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to Bu Gia Map Border Guard Station, where officers and soldiers work day and night to safeguard national sovereignty. This was an occasion for young diplomats to express gratitude for the silent sacrifices of the border forces and to see more clearly the close connection between diplomacy and national defense.
The delegation also visited Bu Gia Map National Park – home to a memorial stone marking the 4,990 km fuel pipeline from North to South, recalling the silent achievements of the fuel transport forces during the resistance as well as symbolizing the enduring strength and resilience of the nation.
Emotions from the journey of gratitude
Members of the delegation expressed their deep emotion upon visiting the “red addresses” linked to historical events of the country. Ms. Bui Ngoc Khanh Huyen, Secretary of the Youth Union of the European Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared: “This is perhaps the farthest journey ‘back to the roots’ ever organized by the Ministry’s Youth Union that I had the chance to participate. The journey left many memorable impression, strengthened my love for my homeland, pride in the revolutionary diplomatic tradition, and enriched me with valuable knowledge”.
For the Youth Union of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs, the program was even more meaningful as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the diplomatic sector and the 50th anniversary of the Department’s founding. Ms. Le Thuy Trang, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Department, emphasized that the trip was not only a time to remember the contributions of previous generations but also to cultivate ideals, strengthen responsibility, and inspire dedication to the country in the context of deeper international integration. Though it was the first time the Ministry’s and the Department’s Youth Unions jointly organized such a program, it was a great success, spreading the spirit of solidarity, consensus, and connection between members of two units.
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| The delegation offers incense at the Memorial Temple for President Ho Chi Minh, Heroes and Martyrs at the Ta Thiet Special National Historical Site. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
The trip was not only a journey to rediscover roots but also a precious opportunity for young members to “touch” historic milestones, gaining a deeper understanding of the glorious path of the diplomatic sector. Each step taken increased their appreciation and gratitude for previous generations while strengthening unity and determination to continue writing proud chapters for Vietnam’s diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Truong Minh Hoang, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Department of Financial Management, under Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his honour in participating in the journey back to the roots of revolutionary tradition. He emphasized that the trip left profound emotions through incense-offering ceremonies, site visits, and exchanges with border guards—contributing to enhanced political awareness and awakening aspirations for dedication among members.
This was also a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and build solidarity, creating new inspiration for the young generation of diplomats to continue spreading positive energy and writing new pages in the diplomatic sector’s 80-year journey and beyond.
Inheriting and promoting 80 Years of Vietnamese Diplomacy Tradition
According to Mr. Nguyen Dong Anh, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this “Back to the Roots” journey held special significance in the year celebrating the 80th anniversary of the diplomatic sector. He stressed that it is an opportunity for the younger generation to clearly understand the source of Vietnam’s diplomatic strength – a diplomacy always devoted to the nation and serving the people.
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| Mr. Nguyen Dong Anh, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking during the visit to encourage officers and soldiers of Bu Gia Map Border Guard Station, Dong Nai. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
The activities not only helped members absorb historical knowledge but also allowed them to experience and feel with their hearts, thereby nurturing professional pride and devotion to the country. The Guest House, where four-party negotiations took place after the Paris Agreement, stood out as the site most strongly tied to the 80-year tradition of diplomacy, a testament to the courage, wisdom, and steadfastness of Vietnamese diplomacy.
The trip was also considered a chance to build a team of young officials who are both “red” (ideologically steadfast) and “expert” (professionally skilled). Through practical experience, members became more aware of their responsibilities, public service ethics, and love for their profession, striving to become capable and intelligent diplomats in the new context.
Mr. Nguyen Dong Anh hoped that each participant would bring back a story, an image, or a lesson from the trip to serve as inspiration, spreading enthusiasm and passing on the flame to younger colleagues—continuing the glorious tradition of the diplomatic service in the new era.
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| The delegation at the residence and workplace of Senior General Tran Van Tra. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
The “Back to the Roots” trip became a bridge between history and the present, between a heroic past and the aspirations of the future. For the young members, every step at the “red addresses” left a profound mark. It was not only an expression of gratitude for the great sacrifices of past generations but also a reminder of the responsibility to continue the Ho Chi Minh diplomatic tradition in the context of integration and development.
From these experiences, the young generation of the diplomatic sector gained new motivation to inherit the 80-year tradition, nurture patriotism, political courage, and the aspiration to contribute. Though the journey concluded, its spirit and values will continue to accompany members in serving the Fatherland and the people in the new era.
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| The delegation at the Loc Ninh Victory Monument. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| Deputy Director of Dong Nai Department of External Relations Bui Quoc Khanh (light blue shirt) with members of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| Members of the youth solemnly pay tribute to President Ho ChiMinh. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| The delegation solemnly offers incense at the provincial martyrs' cemetery in Dong Tam commune. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| The delegation listening to an introduction about the Guest House – headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| The flag of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam is displayed at the Guest House. (Photo: Diệu Linh) |
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| Members of the youth reflect on the nation's glorious history. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
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| Mr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signing the guestbook at Bu Gia Map Border Guard Station. (Photo: Dieu Linh) |
