Havana (VNA) - Cuba’s Latin American News Agency Prensa Latina has expressed deep respect while reporting the inspiring journey of Tran Van Thanh, a 76-year-old Vietnamese veteran who is travelling more than 1,200 kilometers from Vinh city of Nghe An province to Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike to attend the grand celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025).
In its article published on April 24, Prensa Latina particularly highlighted the image of the elderly soldier in his worn military uniform, riding an old motorbike, with the national flag waving throughout his journey. Thanh's belongings are simple, just a suitcase of clothes and a box for cooking.
According to the news agency, the trip of the Vietnamese veteran at his advanced age has become an inspiring phenomenon. Online communities have widely shared emotional moments from his journey, continuously updating information, expressing their willingness to support him, and sending wishes for his safe journey across the long distance.
It reported that Thanh was a former soldier of Battalion K3 - Tam Dao in Quang Tri province. From 1968 to 1974, he and his comrades fought to protect the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, one of the fiercest battlefields at that time.
This Vietnamese veteran began his journey on April 17, travelling 150-200 kilometers each day.
On his way southward, the former soldier stopped at the Vinh Linh Martyrs' Cemetery and the old battlefield of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel to offer incense in remembrance of his comrades who sacrificed their lives along the northern bank of the Ben Hai River, which was once the border between North and South Vietnam.
The article quoted Thanh as saying that he wants to travel by motorbike not only to revisit the old battlefield, but also to witness the development and changes in the villages, provinces, and cities along the route after 50 years of national reunification.
Thanh's journey is not just a personal story, but has also become a living symbol of the connection between the glorious past and the present, a testament to the deep patriotism and immortal spirit of the Vietnamese people. This story has deeply moved and inspired Latin American readers, evoking admiration and respect./.
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