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The Trung Sisters Commemoration, held on March 16 at the Northwood Community Center in North York, was a poignant event organized by the Vietnamese Women’s Association of Toronto in collaboration with the Hung Vuong Cultural Preservation Association. More than 250 attendees, representing various generations and associations, including 50 volunteers, gathered to honor the memory of Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, the courageous heroines who led an uprising against the Eastern Han Dynasty, marking a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.

City Councillor, Anthony Perruzza, whose presence added solemnity to the ceremony, delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated with the audience. He shared a personal anecdote from his childhood, recalling how he witnessed the exodus of Vietnamese refugees to Canada while still a little boy. Since then, he has had the privilege of witnessing the growth and transformation of the Vietnamese community. Perruzza applauded the attendees for honoring their roots and preserving their history, emphasizing the importance of commemorating and cherishing cultural heritage.

The Chairwoman of the VWAT Family Services, Ms. Hoang Binh Minh, echoed Perruzza’s sentiments, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Hai Ba Trung uprising in Vietnamese lore. She highlighted the legendary status of the Trung Sisters as symbols of resilience and patriotism, inspiring generations of Vietnamese people to uphold their traditions and values.

The commemorative event featured a diverse program, blending traditional rituals with cultural performances and a history learning contest for youth volunteers. The entertainment segment commenced with a stirring rendition of the epic “Following the Course of History,” interweaving iconic songs like “Truong Nu Vuong” and “Bach Dang Giang” to vividly depict pivotal chapters of Vietnam’s storied past. The staff of the association put on a spectacular performance of “Me Linh Night,” adorned in beautiful costumes and reenacting the historic moment when the Trung Sisters decided to take on the fight, captivating the audience with their portrayal of bravery and determination.

The success of this year’s Memorial Ceremony for the Trung Sisters reflects a harmonious celebration of tradition, music, and education, nurturing love and pride for the homeland, especially among the youth, who represent the future custodians of Vietnam’s rich cultural legacy.

Testimonial

For the first time in over 30 years, I was fortunate and deeply moved to receive an invitation from Ms. Binh-Minh Hoang, Chair of the Vietnamese Women's Association in Toronto, to attend this significant event. Alongside the organizing committee, I had the privilege to contribute by singing the opening chorus of our homeland's National Anthem, a moment that filled my heart with immense pride and emotion. During the ceremony, the board and staff of the women's association warmly embraced me, a newcomer to the city of Toronto, with open arms and genuine hospitality. Their loving gesture of wrapping me in a yellow Vietnamese flag scarf adorned with three red stripes stirred deep emotions within me, evoking a sense of connection to the heroic spirit of Vietnam that reverberates in the hearts of Vietnamese people worldwide. Reflecting on the event, memories flooded back of my childhood adorned in a white ao dai with the Trung Vuong emblem, standing in awe at the school gate, and being guided by my seniors into the realm of higher education. Through the nurturing support of the organizing committee and the Vietnamese Women's Association in Toronto, I and my family were enveloped in the warmth of a familial embrace, creating cherished memories akin to being welcomed into a loving Vietnamese family home.
Hồng Loan Pham

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