Homeland is always in everyone's heart!

In the unceasing flow of national history, each major milestone is a hyphen between the past and the future. 2025 - the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country - is also the time when the country enters a period of transformation: merging a number of provinces and cities to streamline the apparatus, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state management. In just a few days, the three provinces of Phu Tho - Hoa Binh - Vinh Phuc will be under the same roof named Phu Tho, marking a new journey with many challenges but also full of expectations.

This is not the first time our country has rearranged its administrative boundaries. Since the country was reunited, we have adjusted our territory many times to better suit the development requirements. However, each change evokes different emotions - expectations, doubts and deep within it is the lingering pain of the two words "homeland".

Themes of the old Vinh Phuc countryside such as: thatched roofs, bamboo banks, buffaloes, plows, young girls wearing crow-beak scarves... have been revived by painter Hoang Truc in his works.

Because for each person, homeland is not simply an administrative name or a boundary on the map. Homeland is the mother's lullaby, the path leading back to a warm home, the endless love; it is Dai Lai Lake in the misty afternoon of Vinh Phuc, the melodious Xoan sound at the foot of Nghia Linh mountain of Phu Tho , the bustling bamboo dance of Hoa Binh amidst the gongs echoing in the Northwest mountains and forests... Each land contains a part of the nation's memory, an identity that has permeated the blood vessels of many generations of people.

Therefore, the concern that cultural identity will be lost during the merger process is completely legitimate. People have the right to wonder and worry. But at the same time, it is also an opportunity for us to re-examine, cherish and spread the core values of each locality in a new, more powerful general appearance.

A new journey has begun. It is not simply a restructuring of the administrative apparatus, but more deeply, it is the aspiration for a synchronous, effective and sustainable development. The association of three adjacent provinces will open up great potential in traffic planning, health care, education and socio-economic development. Reducing overlap, saving resources, creating convenience for people and businesses... Those are the basic goals that the merger aims for.

However, in addition to the obvious benefits, it is also important to emphasize that the people's consensus is a prerequisite for the success of any reform. Before making a decision, there is no lack of listening and sharing from each citizen. People need to be clearly explained and guided about changes related to administrative procedures, documents, public services, etc. But more than that, they need to be assured that: even if the place name changes, what belongs to the soul of the homeland will never be forgotten or left behind.

Therefore, the government at all levels needs to demonstrate a proactive role, not only at the agenda, but also be present in every residential area, every small hamlet, to sympathize and accompany. Each cadre and civil servant must become a bridge between the policy and the people's heart, must make the people see that they are an important part of this new journey.

Vinh Phu Bridge connects the shores of joy. Photo: Khanh Linh

In addition, the press and media need to further promote their leading and creative roles. Not only must they provide timely and transparent information, but they must also inspire positive values, fully reflect the thoughts and aspirations of the grassroots, and create a democratic forum for people to speak up.

One point that cannot be ignored is the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of each region. In the context of merger, these values need to be elevated, not hidden in assimilation. It is a challenge but also an opportunity to organize exchange and promotion activities; so that the unique beauty of each land has the conditions to spread further and shine brighter.

Look at the merger as a grand reunion - where brothers who once lived close to each other now officially live under the same roof. Differences in culture or lifestyle are the catalysts to form a diverse community, but united in the love of homeland and country.

Looking back on the 50-year journey of national reunification, we are more deeply aware of one thing: The country was built with sweat, blood and tears. With the sacrifices of generations of fathers and brothers, they did not spare their blood and bones to gain today's independence. It is from the flesh and blood of the Fatherland, from the love for every inch of our homeland, that we have the duty to continue, to build a strong, rich, civilized, humane and richly-identified country.

So, although the name may change, although the administrative units may be rearranged, the homeland is always there, in the heart of each person. No one can erase the rivers, mountains, and childhood memories associated with the land of their birth. And so, in this new journey, what needs to be brought along is not only economic baggage but also cultural baggage, the tradition of the homeland that has not changed through all the changes of the times.

Article and photos: Hoang Cuc

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/Multimedia/Images/Id/130346/Que-huong-van-mai-trong-tim-moi-nguoi