‘Keepsakes of Victory Day’ (VTV10): Unforgettable Memories

Over 50 years  on from the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the war has faded into the past, but its memories remain. They are not only found in history books, but also in homes, gardens, and in everyday objects that quietly preserve the past. Even  the smallest items can carry the memory of an entire era.

Rather than presenting history through dry facts or statistics, Keepsakes of Victory Day takes a different approach. It tells stories in a quiet yet powerful way. History is revealed through simple objects, each tied to human lives and irreplaceable moments in the nation’s journey.

War veteran Pham Ngoc Hung shares his story of revolutionary activities.

Each item featured in the program is not just an object preserved over time; it is a witness to a heroic period. They may be  hastily written  letters from the battlefield,   faded photographs, or  simple tools that accompanied   soldiers through years of hardship. Yet these modest items hold profound stories of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in victory.

Many soldiers carries a flashlight and an old radio.

What makes the program distinctive is its emotional and authentic approach. The participants do not simply recount their stories; they relive their memories through each keepsake. Their sincere words, sometimes interrupted by emotion, help viewers better appreciate the value of peace today. These are not distant memories, but deeply human experiences shaped by war.

Keepsakes of Victory Day also bridge the past and the present. These stories are not only  told  to remember, but also to understand how a nation endured war with such resilience. By doing so, the program helps shape younger generations' awareness, encouraging them to view history not as a subject but as a living part of their identity.

A hidden basement in the Plum Garden base in Can Tho.

On a broader level, the program highlights the importance of preserving memory. In the fast-paced modern life, these keepsakes serve as anchors to the past, reminding us of the events that  shaped the present.They also convey the gentle yet meaningful message that peace  must be earned, and that each generation has a responsibility to protect and sustain it.

A MiG-21 fighter jet that had been left in disuse in Ca Mau for many years has now been relocated.

The sincerity of  Keepsakes of Victory Day reaches audiences. That sincerity gives the program a lasting impact, ensuring that  memory is not only retold but also felt and shared.

Books documenting the revolutionary activities of the Can Tho commando forces.

In this flow of memory, each keepsake is a piece of a larger picture, completing the story of a nation. It is a picture not only of victory, but also of tears, loss, and  an unshakable belief.