U80 veteran "escaped his wife" to drive himself to Hanoi to watch the parade, the reason was touching

73-year-old veteran Tran Van Thanh "unexpectedly" drove his motorbike across Nghe An to Hanoi, carrying the red flag with yellow star. His "mysterious" journey made everyone follow him closely.

On the morning of August 21, Mr. Tran Van Thanh (born in 1950, from Nghe An) started his journey to Hanoi by motorbike to attend the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2). While stopping at a gas station in Thanh Hoa, Mr. Thanh shared with VietNamNet reporter: "I'm very excited, I just want to see the capital one more time."

Mr. Thanh kept this trip a secret from his family until the last minute. When his wife and two daughters asked, he was vague, not revealing the date of departure or means of transportation. "This morning, while my wife was at the market, I secretly took my motorbike and left. I planned to call her during my lunch break. She didn't want me to go, she was worried about my health," he said. Although he knew his wife and children were worried, he was still determined to fulfill his wish to see the capital. Assessing his health as stable, he chose to drive his motorbike the entire way.

On the evening of August 21, he stayed at a friend's house in Ninh Binh and is expected to arrive in Hanoi on August 22. He has not yet made public his detailed itinerary. The 80-year-old veteran's luggage includes an old motorbike, a pink suitcase, a small wooden box for personal belongings, and a red flag with a yellow star attached to the back of the motorbike, flying all along the way.

This is not the first time Mr. Thanh has attracted attention with his special trips. During the recent April 30th holiday, he drove his motorbike more than 1,300km from Nghe An to Ho Chi Minh City to watch the parade. Departing on April 17th, he arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on April 26th and was enthusiastically supported by the people. After the ceremony, he returned to his hometown by Thong Nhat train. The story of this journey has spread widely, demonstrating the patriotism and steadfast will of a veteran in his twilight years.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Yen, Mr. Thanh's daughter who currently lives in Khanh Hoa, said she only knew about her father's trip to Hanoi when she saw pictures on social media. "Like the trip to Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, I didn't know until my father went to Da Nang. From the beginning to the end, my father kept it a secret," Ms. Yen shared.

Living far from home, she could not keep up with her father's schedule, and asked him many times about going to Hanoi to watch the parade, but Mr. Thanh still did not reveal the details. She said: "I have friends and acquaintances in Hanoi who told my father: 'If you go, I will ask someone to take you and take care of your food and accommodation'. My father only replied: 'If you also want to go, then come with me, otherwise, I will take care of it myself'."

Although his family was worried about his health, they still respected his decision. "As long as my father was happy, that's fine. When he went to Ho Chi Minh City, my father was very excited. After returning home for a health check, everything was normal, and my mother and I were somewhat reassured. My father didn't want to make his plans public because he didn't want others to follow him to record videos and take pictures... He just wanted to freely see the country," said Ms. Yen.

Mr. Thanh’s journey to Hanoi this time continues to affirm the image of a patriotic, steadfast and independent veteran. Despite his old age, he still wants to personally experience and record memorable moments at the September 2nd parade. The old motorbike, the red flag with yellow star fluttering on the road is a symbol of pride and patriotism.

Stories like Mr. Thanh’s not only inspire the online community, but also remind the younger generation of resilience, patriotism, and the will to pursue dreams, despite their old age. His trips are also proof that everyone has the right to pursue special experiences, as long as they ensure safety and health.

The story of veteran Tran Van Thanh driving his motorbike hundreds of kilometers to attend the parade in Hanoi has attracted special attention, becoming a symbol of national pride, proactive spirit and iron will of those who contributed to protecting the Fatherland.

Veteran Tran Van Thanh, U80, cycled 300km to attend September 2nd ceremony, shocking to hear Khánh Linh17:38:09 13/08/2025Veteran Tran Van Thanh is a name that once shocked the internet when he rode an old motorbike alone, traveling 1,300km to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the parade celebrating the 4/30 holiday. Soon, he will continue traveling 300km to Hanoi to attend the 9/2 holiday.