The program was directed in terms of content by the Haiphong City Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee; implemented under the direction of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and organized by the Haiphong Contemporary Art Theater. It served as a tribute of the most beautiful flowers and deepest gratitude to heroic martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers, people with meritorious contributions, and the families of fallen heroes. The program reflected the Vietnamese traditions of “When drinking water, remember its source” and “Repaying gratitude and honoring those who made sacrifices for the nation.” It was also held in response to the “500-day Campaign to accelerate the search, collection, and identification of martyrs’ remains.”
The program was staged in a semi-epic format, aiming to bring audiences the most sacred and complete emotions when reflecting on the Fatherland and the loyal sons and daughters of the homeland through deeply moving and proud musical performances. The program was structured into three chapters:
Chapter 1 – Coordinates of Fire
Chapter 2 – The Immortal Epic
Chapter 3 – Ring of Fire Flowers – Green Aspirations
The program opened with the instrumental and dance performance “Lullaby of the Earth.” This was followed by musical performances including “On the Peak of Truong Son We Sing” (composed by Huy Du), “Cuc Oi” (composed by Anh Tai and Yen Thanh), and “What Could Be More Beautiful” (composed by Nguyen Hung).
Continuing with Chapter 2 – “The Immortal Epic,” the audience enjoyed the instrumental and dance performance “81 Days and Nights at the Ancient Citadel,” along with songs carrying profound and heroic emotions such as “Young Grass of the Ancient Citadel” (composed by Tan Huyen), “The Faraway Land” (composed by Duc Trinh), “The Immortal Stone Rampart” (composed by Truong Quy Hai), and “Sacred Vietnam” (composed by Le Quang).
The next part of the program featured the performance “Ring of Fire Flowers” (composed by Minh Quang and Nguyen Thi Phuong), opening Chapter 3 – “Ring of Fire Flowers – Green Aspirations.” It was followed by the songs “Singing About You” (composed by The Hien), “Round Footprints on the Sand” (composed by Tran Tien), and “The Fatherland Under the Sunlight – Haiphong Shining” (composed by Long Ca and Viet Tuan).
The program took audiences back through the nation’s glorious historical journey, allowing them to feel the tragedy of war and the immeasurable losses and sacrifices endured by previous generations. The younger generations have lit candles of gratitude in their hearts, inspiring them to continue living more meaningfully and deserving of the peace they enjoy today.
The Organizing Committee hopes that after leaving the square, every audience member will deeply understand a simple truth:
“Peace does not come naturally. Peace has been handed down through blood, tears, youth, and love for the Fatherland.”