The trip included the Executive Committee of the University's Veterans Association and all its members, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cong Nhat, President of the Association. Notably, the trip was honored to have the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Long, former Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, former Vice Director of Hanoi National University, and former Rector of the University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Van Hai, former President of the Association (2017-2022) – educators and scientists who have made significant contributions to education and are also historical witnesses deeply connected to the country throughout various periods.
The delegation departed from Hanoi for Quang Binh. Their first stop was Vung Chua – Yen Island, the resting place of General Vo Nguyen Giap – the brilliant Commander-in-Chief and elder brother of the Vietnam People's Army. Here, the entire delegation respectfully offered incense in remembrance, expressing their profound gratitude for the General's great contributions to the national liberation struggle.
After paying respects at the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the delegation continued their journey to Quang Tri province and boarded a boat to Con Co Island – an indomitable symbol of the heroic fighting spirit in the resistance war against the US. Here, the veterans reminisced about heroic historical stories and visited sites commemorating the victories of our army and people. The delegation visited the Con Co Martyrs' Memorial to offer incense in remembrance of the soldiers who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland. Bowing before the spirits of the fallen, each veteran and each representative of the veterans' delegation from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities offered prayers that the souls of the heroic martyrs would live forever in the love of their compatriots and comrades on Con Co Island in particular, and Vietnamese people in general. The visit to Con Co Island was not only a tribute but also an opportunity for the older generation to share and inspire the younger generation with patriotism and unwavering determination.
The group took photos at the foot of the monument commemorating the heroes and martyrs of Con Co Island.
From Con Co Island, the delegation returned to the mainland and continued their journey to visit and lay wreaths at the Quang Tri Citadel Martyrs' Cemetery – the resting place of thousands of soldiers who fell during the 1972 General Offensive. The delegation visited and paid respects at the Monument commemorating the student-soldiers of the Quang Tri Citadel in the summer of 1972, which depicts the image of young soldiers, representative of tens of thousands of student-soldiers (including many generations of students from the former Hanoi University) who volunteered to go to the battlefield during the 81-day and 81-night campaign to defend the Quang Tri Citadel in the summer of 1972. They embodied the noble ideal of life: "Crossing the Truong Son Mountains to save the country, with hearts full of hope for the future." The incense burning and the moments of silent remembrance were a sincere and moving expression of gratitude from the members of the delegation. Next, the group visited the Vinh Moc Tunnels – a vivid testament to the resilience of the army and people of Vinh Linh during the fierce war.
The group took photos on the north side of Hien Luong Bridge, a bridge that divided the North and South during the war against the US.
After three days of emotional and meaningful travel, the group set off back to Hanoi, concluding the trip in an atmosphere filled with camaraderie, bonding, and emotion.
The 2025 Journey to the Roots is an activity deeply rooted in traditional education and patriotism. Through sacred and heroic destinations, veterans not only relive the glorious memories of a time of war but also have the opportunity to review, share, and spread historical values to future generations.
The trip strengthened revolutionary beliefs and ideals, fostered solidarity, and instilled a sense of social responsibility in each member. It was not only a return to memories, but also an opportunity to express gratitude and to remind ourselves of the eternal values of independence, freedom, peace, and patriotism.
The "Journey to the Roots" is one of the activities that the Veterans Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, pays close attention to and implements annually. This demonstrates the principle of remembering one's roots, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of our forefathers in protecting and preserving the nation's independence, while also contributing to strengthening bonds and sharing among members.
USSH Hanoi Forum 2026