HCM City (VNA) – The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City held a get-together on April 28 for former Vietnamese and international war correspondents who once covered the war in Vietnam, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975–2025).
Pham Dut Diem, Acting Director of the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs, said Vietnam understands that in order for the world to know about the just struggle of the Vietnamese people, international reporters held an indispensable role, especially those who were present on the southern battlefield during the fiercest years.
War reporters overcame danger and crossed the border of the frontline to record footage and deliver reports that were truthful and full of humanity, helping convey the truth about the Vietnam war to the whole world, thereby calling for the international community's support for the Vietnamese people and their struggle.
Fifteen years since the national reunification, HCM City wishes to convey the message of a peaceful, developed, integrated, dynamic, and humane Vietnam, Diem stated, adding that the city always respects the past, is grateful to those who sacrificed for independence and freedom, and constantly strives to build the future, for the happiness of the people, and for friendly cooperation and sustainable development with international friends.
Edith Madelen Ledever, Associated Press (AP) Bureau Chief at the United Nations, said the former international war correspondents have returned to many historical relic sites in HCM City over the past few days. She shared that she is moved to see many memories of the Vietnam war, but also happy to see that Vietnam, specifically HCM City, has developed remarkably in all aspects.
More than half a century has passed, but the memories of the Vietnam war and this beautiful country are always in their hearts, she affirmed.
Tom Fox, former reporter for The New York Times and TIME Magazine, said that thanks to this trip, he has witnessed a completely new Vietnam compared to 50 years ago.
According to him, education and transportation in HCM City are the things he noticed the biggest changes, and what impressed him most on these days are the Vietnamese flags flying across all streets.
On this occasion, former international war correspondents visited the Sac Forest Revolutionary Base and Lam Vien Can Gio tourist site. They also experienced Metro Line No.1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien), talked to students of journalism at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under the Vietnam National University, HCM City, toured the Saigon High-Tech Park, and visited the Cu Chi Tunnels historical relic site.
They will attend the grand celebration and parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30 morning./.
