From Uncle Ho's Mausoleum to airplane wings: One day touching the dreams

Standing under a giant aircraft for the first time, learning to sing with idols for the first time, staying in a 5-star hotel for the first time, and participating in a gala night full of lights. For 100 children in special circumstances participating in "The Dream Journey 2026", the first day of the "Touching the Flying Dream" journey was a series of new experiences that many children said they would remember for a very long time.

From lessons at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum to dreams behind each flight

The night was late, but many children still lingered in the hotel lobby to take photos with friends after the gala program ended. Gifts from the Organizing Committee were in their hands, and their faces still carried the complete excitement after a long day filled with too many new things.

“I feel very happy and excited because I was given a lot of gifts. I have never been to such a beautiful hotel before. I thank the teachers and everyone for giving me the opportunity to experience today,” a child shared.

Few knew that just a few hours earlier, the same child was enthusiastically telling friends about the giant airplane seen from such a close distance for the first time. The children's day started in Hanoi and ended in Hai Phong, but that journey was not simply a trip.

It was a journey of first-time experiences. On the morning of June 9, in the program's blue uniform shirts, 100 orphans and children in special circumstances from Hanoi and Hai Phong gathered very early to begin the "Touching the Flying Dream" journey. The first stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

In the solemn line of people entering the Mausoleum to pay respect to Uncle Ho, many children visited Ba Dinh Square for the first time. Afterward, they continued to visit the Stilt House, Uncle Ho's Fish Pond, and listened to introductions about his life and career. Simple stories about the spirit of self-study, the will to overcome difficulties, and the love that Uncle Ho dedicated to children became the first lessons of the trip.

That was also the reason why the Organizing Committee chose the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as the opening destination of the journey. Because before talking about dreams, the important thing is to help the children understand more about the values that make up the luggage for each person on the path to maturity.

Leaving Ba Dinh, the delegation continued to move to the Aircraft Engineering One Member Limited Liability Company (VAECO), a subsidiary unit of Vietnam Airlines Corporation at Noi Bai. If Uncle Ho's Mausoleum brought lessons about history and patriotism, VAECO opened up a completely different world before their eyes—the world behind the flights.

At the hall, the children watched a movie introducing the aircraft maintenance unit under Vietnam Airlines, participated in exchange games, and learned about aviation knowledge. Laughter constantly echoed when questions were raised. Some children knew the names of the aircraft types. Some recognized the Vietnam Airlines logo. Some boldly answered more difficult questions and received souvenir gifts with great excitement.

But what the children looked forward to most was still the tour of the aircraft hangar. When the hangar doors opened, dozens of eyes turned almost simultaneously toward the aircraft being maintained inside. Quite a few children stood frozen for a few seconds. The airplane that previously only appeared in the sky or through phone screens was now right in front of them.

“The airplane in real life is much bigger than what I imagined,” a child said. From initial questions about airplane wings, engines, or landing gears, the conversation quickly expanded to careers in the aviation industry.

VAECO engineers patiently explained to the children the work behind each safe flight. The silent jobs that rarely appear before passengers but play an important role in ensuring safety for millions of passengers each year. For many children, this was also the first time a career became so close.

When children stand in the midst of love

In the early afternoon, the delegation arrived in Hai Phong. Meliá Vinpearl Hai Phong Rivera hotel became the next stop in the journey. If the morning was a time for discovery, the afternoon was the time for the children to play and express themselves.

The hall space quickly became lively with the "Melody of Dreams" program. The music played, arms raised high, and dance steps were still clumsy but full of confidence. Artists APJ, Kriss Ngo, Monotape, and LEZII did not appear as mere performing guests but became companions with the children throughout the program.

The children sang, danced, participated in games, and together created impromptu performances. “What I enjoyed most was learning to dance and sing with the idol uncles. I will tell this memory to my friends at home. I thank the uncles and aunts for giving me the opportunity to participate in the experience today,” a child shared.

In the evening, that joy continued to be extended during the gala night celebrating the 5th anniversary of "The Dream Journey" program. Under the stage lights, laughter and applause continuously echoed. 100 handprints were left on the "Sky of Dreams" as a symbol for the aspirations growing day by day.

Some children stood on stage for the first time, some attended such a large program for the first time, and some stayed in a 5-star hotel for the first time. Things that seemed very normal to many people became special memories for the children.

Quite a few children were excited to receive gifts from the Organizing Committee and to participate in a large-scale program held in the luxurious space of the hotel. “I feel very happy because I was given many gifts. I have also never been to such a beautiful hotel before. I thank the teachers and everyone for giving me the opportunity to experience today,” another child expressed.

As the gala night closed, a day with so many new experiences passed, from history lessons and discoveries about the aviation industry to moments of playing, singing, and sharing. And for many children participating this year, the first day of the "Touching the Flying Dream" journey will probably be an unforgettable memory, a place where they not only saw new things but were also filled with faith to nurture their own dreams.