Triumphal Song: Reenacting the Jubilant Moment of Liberation

Emotional Moments Recalling Two Historic Victory Broadcasts

The program “Triumphal Song” is divided into three parts: “Hanoi Hears the Victory”, “Marching to Saigon”, and “The Nation After Reunification”. It not only allows viewers to revisit a historic journey but also conveys the spirit of renewal, integration, and strong development of Vietnam in the new era. Audiences relive the ecstatic atmosphere of the day the nation was reunited, while feeling the spirit of continuity and the responsibility of today's generations toward the country.

A highlight of the program is a feature that recreates two historic news bulletins broadcast on April 30 and May 1, 1975 – milestone moments deeply etched in the memories of millions of Vietnamese people. The April 30, 1975, broadcast from the Voice of Vietnam in Hanoi, delivered by announcer Tuyet Mai, was the first official confirmation sent from the heart of the capital to the entire nation: “The Ho Chi Minh Campaign has been completely victorious. The city of Saigon has been completely liberated. The flag of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam now flies over the Presidential Palace of the puppet regime…”.

By the evening of May 1, 1975, the newly liberated Saigon Broadcasting Station aired the second bulletin, the first television broadcast from the newly  captured  station, ushering in a new era: “This is Saigon Liberation Television Station, broadcasting from Saigon, greeting our beloved compatriots... At 11:30 AM on April 30, 1975, our heroic and glorious city was liberated…”.

One bulletin from Hanoi, one from Saigon – two echoing heartbeats on the day of reunification. They transcended mere journalism to become vivid legacies in Vietnam’s modern history. In “Triumphal Song”, these broadcasts are not merely reproduced as archives but are honored as the soul, the base melody for the entire artistic symphony, allowing today’s generation to experience that historic moment with all their senses and hearts.

Audiences will also see rare footage of Hanoi's jubilant streets on April 30, 1975, and Saigon's early days of liberation, filled with shared joy. Images of generals and leaders from both North and South meeting in the newly unified city, with radiant smiles and tight embraces, bring history to life  once again.

A particularly emotional segment features a conversation with journalist and Meritorious Artist Ha Phuong, former Head of the Announcers’ Department at Voice of Vietnam. He was among the announcers who worked directly in the Audio Recording Room at 39 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi, on the historic day of April 30, 1975.

At 85 years old, Meritorious Artist Ha Phuong vividly recalls those unforgettable days: “During the final days of the resistance war, our announcers worked in full combat mode, 24 hours a day, no days off, sleeping right in our small 15-square-meter room at 39 Ba Trieu. We remained on duty around the clock to update and broadcast war news, especially ‘breaking news’ – no intro music, no formalities, just direct readings the moment information arrived.

Understanding the historical importance of those moments, station director Tran Lam selected only the best voices – Nguyen Tho with his powerful rhetorical tone and broadcaster Tuyet Mai, who remains irreplaceable to this day. They had the honor of reading the victory bulletin on April 30, 1975, alongside commentary by Tran Phuong”.

The recollections of meritorious Artist Ha Phuong provide an intimate glimpse into the emotional, nerve-wracking moments when Vietnam  transitioned  from war into peace and reunification.

Melodies Connecting Past, Present, and Future

“Triumphal Song” not only pays tribute to the past but also looks to the future.  

The performance by over 100 children  of “Uncle Ho Is With Us on Victory Day” is a lively affirmation of this spirit – a Vietnam moving forward without forgetting its roots.

Singer Dong Hung delivered a powerful and passionate performance of Marching to Saigon”, while “The Storm Has Risen” – a song composed at lightning speed by musician Trong Bang during the 1968 Tet Offensive – was performed by the group Oplus with fierce energy, igniting the spirit of the younger generation. Singer Nguyen Tran Trung Quan impressed the audience with a medley of “Mother Loves You - Liberate the South”, featuring a modern electronic arrangement. He shared: “I want to infuse the youthful spirit into revolutionary songs while preserving their sacred essence”.

People's Artist Lan Anh  shared  emotionally: “This is an extremely meaningful program, not only for its artistic value but also for its historical depth and spirit of gratitude. When singing songs like ‘Spring in Ho Chi Minh City’, I felt a deep national pride and the joyful spirit of a reunified spring. Although I was born when the country was already at peace, I have always been deeply aware that today's good things are the result of countless sacrifices in the past. The happiness we enjoy today was paid for with the blood and bones of those who fell for the Fatherland. To me, 'The Triumphal Song' is a profound tribute to all those who contributed and sacrificed for peace, independence, and the nation's future”.

The program concluded with the song “Vietnam, We March Forward”, as a call to the current generation: the journey of building the country is still ongoing.  

In nearly 1.5 hours, “The Triumphal Song” painted a musical picture filled with faith, aspiration, and passionate patriotism.

“The Triumphal Song” left a strong impression and touched many attendees at the Hanoi Opera House. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong (63 years old, Ba Dinh district) shared: “"When I was in 9th grade, I used to listen to the victory news broadcast on April 30th through the radio. Tonight, hearing the original voice of announcer Tuyet Mai again, I felt as if I was reliving that historic moment which  I can never forget”.