Special concert melodies connecting Vietnam-U.S. friendship
WVR - As part of the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Vietnam- American Friendship Association (the predecessor of today's Vietnam-U.S. Society), the audience enjoyed a special concert titled "Connecting Vietnam-U.S. Melodies" featuring renowned artists from both countries.
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On the evening of October 16, at the Ho Guom Theater, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the Vietnam-U.S. Society solemnly held the 80th Anniversary Celebration of the Vietnam- American Friendship Association (October 17, 1945 - October 17, 2025).
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| VUFO Chairman Phan Anh Son speaking at the ceremony. (Photo: Manh Nguyen) |
The event was attended by Mr. Vu Hai Ha, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the National Assembly Party Committee, Standing Committee member of the National Assembly; Mr. Phan Anh Son, VUFO Chairman; representatives from various departments, ministries, the Vietnam-U.S. Society, research institutes, universities, and businesses.
On the U.S. side, the event saw the participation of a number of American businesses, associations, non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, and some American organizations and individuals who are partners of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam-U.S. Society.
Speaking at the ceremony, VUFO Chairman Phan Anh Son stated that 80 years ago, when Vietnam had just gained independence, President Ho Chi Minh directed the establishment of the Vietnam-U.S. Friendship Association with the sincere wish to continue cooperation for peace and progress between the two nations, who once stood together as Allies.
In the early 1990s, the Vietnam-U.S. Society was reorganized on the foundation of the Vietnam-U.S. Friendship Association and the Vietnam Committee for Solidarity with the American People, becoming a member of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.
longside hundreds of American partners in the people-to-people channel, the Society has connected, advocated, and nurtured the significant event of 1995 – the establishment of Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations.
Since then, VUFO and the Vietnam-U.S. Society have organized thousands of people-to-people exchange activities: welcoming delegations of U.S. legislators, veterans, scholars, businesses, and youth to Vietnam; coordinating cultural, educational, humanitarian, scientific cooperation programs, and addressing war legacies.
These activities, whether small or large, carry profound significance: building trust, narrowing differences, connecting hearts, and making the friendship between the two peoples a sustainable foundation for Vietnam-U.S. relations.
The VUFO Chairman expressed the hope that the Vietnam-U.S. Society will continue to play a pivotal role, proactively: Adhering to the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhancing people-to-people exchanges as a pillar of bilateral relations – transforming understanding and empathy into strategic trust; Expanding the network of friends and fields of cooperation – not only in humanitarian efforts or addressing war legacies but also in education, culture, science, innovation, trade, environment, and sustainable development; Spreading the Vietnam-U.S. reconciliation model, from former adversaries to Comprehensive Partners, as General Secretary To Lam affirmed: "Over the past thirty years, we have jointly created a model in international relations".
"This is a powerful message we can share with the world that sincerity, tolerance, and the desire for peace can turn confrontation into cooperation, transform pain into trust, and convert former adversaries into Comprehensive Strategic Partners," emphasized Mr. Phan Anh Son.
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| Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Vietnam-U.S. Society, speaking. (Photo: Manh Nguyen) |
Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, Chairman of the Vietnam-U.S. Society, also affirmed that this year's anniversary of the Vietnam-U.S. Society coincides with the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's independence and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-U.S. diplomatic relations. Therefore, the joy is multiplied.
According to the Chairman of the Vietnam-U.S. Society, looking back over eight decades, Vietnam-U.S. relations have overcome many historical ups and downs and have developed remarkably, from former adversaries to normalization and now a comprehensive strategic partnership, the highest level of partnership Vietnam has with any country.
On this basis, many opportunities are opening up for the two countries, such as expanding cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition, along with deepening current cooperation areas like economy, education, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, addressing war legacies, and regional and global cooperation. However, new issues are also emerging, requiring both sides to dialogue and resolve them in a spirit of cooperation, understanding, and mutual benefit.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship will continue to develop further in the future, based on the achievements of the past 30 years.
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| Generations of Vietnam-U.S. Society leaders receive congratulatory flowers from VUFO Chairman Phan Anh Son. (Photo: Manh Nguyen) |
The Vietnam-U.S. Society has been and will continue to strive and improve its work, contributing effectively to people-to-people diplomacy and bilateral relations.
At the celebration, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra delivered an impressive performance of classical masterpieces such as Danube Blue (The Blue Danube Waltz) by Johann Strauss II; Titanic Suite; In Persian of Market; Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin; Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland.
The program also featured famous Vietnamese artists such as Tung Duong, Duong Duc Hai, and clarinetist Tran Khanh Quang...
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| The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra performing at Ho Guom Theater under the baton of international conductor Austin Chance. (Photo: Le An) |
The concert was not only an auditory feast but also a vivid symbol of Vietnam-U.S. cultural exchange. Under the delicate baton of international conductor Austin Chance, each melody soared and resonated, fully capturing the spirit of classical symphony.
The audience in the hall not only enjoyed world-renowned symphonies but also deeply felt the spirit of openness, respect, and sharing between the two cultures.
The applause echoed as a tribute to the artists and a warm congratulation for the ever-strengthening Vietnam-U.S. friendship.
