Held in Con Dao District (Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province) and aired live at 8:10 PM on May 3, “Con Dao – The Epic of Vietnamese Willpower” moved audiences nationwide.
Fifty years have passed since the complete liberation of Con Dao. Yet, the tragic memories, resilient spirit, and steadfast will of the courageous people who lived there continue to endure. This program served as a tribute to those generations, reminding us of Con Dao as a sacred land, once a hell on earth, now a shining symbol of patriotism, unyielding determination, and the unbreakable desire for freedom.
Hosts Hoai Anh and Tuan Duong open the program with a powerful introduction.
Through moving historical documentaries and heroic musical narratives, the program paid tribute to those who turned prisons into revolutionary schools, transformed pain into strength, and faithfully defended the moral compass of communists. It was also a reflection on the revival journey of Con Dao from a land drenched in blood to a thriving Green Pearl.
Among the many stories, the documentary segment “Your Name Etched in Stone” was especially touching. It recounted a 35-year journey by the family of martyr Nguyen Minh — from Binh Dinh to Con Dao in search of his remains. Nguyen Minh was a silent revolutionary whose remains were not identified until 2010. His story represents thousands of unnamed fallen heroes and is a haunting reminder of the immense sacrifice made for history.
Throughout the program, carefully choreographed performances blended tradition and modernity, integrating music, theatre, and archival footage. Artists such as Trung Quan, Dong Hung, Hoang Hai, Duong Hoang Yen, and rapper Double2T contributed to a dynamic and captivating stage.
Medleys like “Con Dao – Fire of Vietnam”, “Liberating the South”, “Ode to President Ho Chi Minh – The Party Flag”, “Greetings to Freedom”, and the theatrical piece “Unforgettable Moments” vividly conveyed the revolutionary spirit and national pride. Meanwhile, emotional performances such as “Flying Across the East Sea” and “Vietnam Towards the Future” portrayed Con Dao today and reaffirmed that the aspirations for peace, freedom, and progress remain deeply rooted in the Vietnamese soul.
A modern view of Con Dao today.
“Con Dao – The Epic of Vietnamese Willpower” is not only an artistic showcase but also a powerful history lesson — a bridge connecting the sacrifices of the past with the life and hope of the present. It helps younger generations understand the true value of independence and freedom, ideals won through the blood, resilience, and unwavering spirit of countless heroes.
