It was their final destination in a long journey towards celebrations for the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Thang Long-Ha Noi. Tears were shed at a reception to welcome them.
One thousand Vietnamese Heroic mothers, Heroes of the Armed Forces and Labour Heroes have arrived in the capital after a long trip by bus from the south. The oldest was 98 years of age.
On their way from the southern province of Dong Nai, the elderly heroes called at historic sites and also visited the birthplace of the Vietnamese nation - the home of the Hung Kings in Phu Tho Province.
Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh hailed them as ordinary people who had performed extraordinary deeds.
"The presence today of heroic mothers and heroes is a fine symbol of Vietnamese generations born in the Ho Chi Minh era - those who bear a noble soul with iron will," said Manh.
"They belong to generations who developed national patriotism from an individual love for the country, which contributed to the national liberalisation cause as well as revolutionary heroism."
Manh said Thang Long-Ha Noi celebrations were a proud moment for Vietnamese people, both at home and overseas, and were of over-riding political and social importance that intensified the nation's profound humanity.
He addressed a solemn ceremony last night to welcome the visitors, who were chosen from more than 50,00 heroic mothers and heroes in 63 provinces and cities nationwide.
Lieutenant-General Tran Hanh, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Veterans, said the 14-day, 2,000km journey, the first of its kind in the nation's history, was of great significance.
"[It] deepens the heroic tradition of the Vietnamese nation and (shows) the determination of Vietnamese heroes in the Ho Chi Minh era. It also reinforces patriotism and national pride," he said.
"The journey aims to realise the true and real wish of many heroic mothers and heroes who have never been to Ha Noi."
Heroic mother Phan Thi Uu, 90, from Ca Mau, was in tears as she replied:"I'm so happy to be in the journey named Thang Long – the nation's sacred soul. I was once in Ha Noi when the south had just been liberated. This time is when Thang Long-Ha Noi turns 1,000 years.
"Although I am not so well, I've tried my utmost. This might be the last journey to Ha Noi in my life. I'm happy to see the city has reached 1,000 years."
Phan Cong Khang, a veteran from Da Nang, said he had been in Ha Noi three times, once during the war and twice in peace time.
"For me, the journey is of noble significance, an honour to participate in the celebrations. The journey is one of returning to our origins," Khang said.
Former army officier Kan Lich could not hide her emotion.
"The journey gave me ample opportunity to catch up with two close friends from war time - heroes Ta Thi Kieu and Le Thi Thanh. One of them I haven't seen for 20 years. Such happiness is not easy to earn," said Lich.
Her wartime achievements included fighting in 49 battles and killing 150 enemy soldiers.
Lich was the first ethnic minority woman to be honoured with the title Hero of the People's Armed Forces. President Ho Chi Minh met her on seven occasions.
Among the labour heroes joining the journey was Le Van Kiem from Dong Nai Province. He said that the further he travelled, "the deeper I remembered those who fell for national liberation including my father".
"I (now) further understand my responsibility towards the nation, and towards our ancestors. This journey in peace time will be an unforgettable - and the most meaningful in my life."
The chairman of Mai Linh group shared his feelings: "The journey is a meaningful gift to heroic mothers and heroes and an act of gratitude to our predecessors in the joy of a city and nation on 1,000 years of Thang Long-Ha Noi."
On Thursday, the elderly contingent arrived in the northern province of Phu Tho to offer incense at the temple of the Hung Kings, the founders of the Vietnamese nation.
The Vietnam Veterans' Association and Phu Tho authorities warmly welcomed the group, saying that war heroes and heroic mothers gathering on sacred land to pay tribute to Hung Kings would light the flame of national spirit, inspire national pride and encourage young generations to carry out the traditions of building and defending the country.
An 80-year-old Vietnamese heroic mother from the southern province of Tra Vinh said: "I am very elated that I finally can visit the home of the Hung Kings. Despite my old age, standing at the foot of Nghia Linh Mountain, I seem to have new strength to climb hundreds of steps up to the peak to burn incense to show my gratitude toward the Hung Kings."
The ceremonial welcome took place in the National Conference Centre.
According to the organisers of the event, the Vietnam Association of Veterans and Mai Linh Group, the programme enriched the tradition of being grateful to one's benefactors.
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