An emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in Hanoi

At the grand ceremony marking 80 years of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), Military Region 7 has been assigned by the Ministry of National Defence to train three marching units - the male airborne special forces unit, the female commando unit, and the female southern guerrilla unit.

an emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in hanoi picture 2

Although the train carrying the armed forces is scheduled to depart from Saigon Railway Station at 7:40 P.M., the atmosphere at the station becomes vibrant and emotional from early afternoon, with songs, applause, and heartfelt farewells from families and loved ones to the officers and soldiers entrusted with this honourable mission.

an emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in hanoi picture 3

“This is my first time going far from home to train in the North. At this moment, I just want to call my mother before boarding the train….. She wishes me great success in completing the mission. When I see my mother crying, I just want to cry along with her. This mission is very challenging for me because the hot weather in the North is quite harsh. My mother is worried that I will struggle, but I believe I can do it and will accomplish the task well,” says private Bui Thi Thu Thuy.

an emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in hanoi picture 4

Captain Le Hoang Hiep from Division 9, Corps 34, who becomes famous after the clip of him stepping down from the vehicle during the rehearsal parade for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in late April, is surrounded by people at the station.

an emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in hanoi picture 5

A playful young soldier strikes a pose for a check-in photo just before the train departs.

an emotional farewell as soldiers depart for sacred mission in hanoi picture 6

Among the more than 660 officers and soldiers departing to carry out the mission, many have previously participated in the military parade at the 50th anniversary celebration of the liberation of the South and national reunification in late April.