Don't worry about 'losing your hometown'

Some are worried, some are skeptical, and some are hopeful.

In the tea shop at the beginning of the village, Mr. Hoa - an elder - pondered:

- Since our ancestors, our hometown has had this name. Now that it has been merged into a province, I wonder if the name will still be there?

Middle-aged people worry about paperwork and administrative procedures, which will cost them time and jobs because they have to travel further.

Mrs. Thanh frowned:

- Now that I'm in the province, my license plate number, house papers... will also change. I'll have to run back and forth to do the paperwork, it'll be very troublesome.

Mr. Nam, a veteran who normally just sat quietly listening, now also spoke up:

- In the past, when we took up arms and went to war, we often told each other: "Our homeland, the place where we were born and raised, must be preserved." Now our homeland still exists, but its name may no longer exist. It's such a pity, folks!

Hearing Mr. Nam speak, the lively atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

At this time, Tung, the youngest person in the neighborhood, tried to joke:

- I think it's great, guys! My wife is from the other province. Before, they said we were in a long-distance relationship, but now we're from the same hometown. Isn't that great?

Hearing Tung say that, some people burst out laughing, but many others silently pondered. Lately, the news has said that the name of the hometown can change, but the core values ​​that make up the identity will remain forever. They have pondered but still cannot avoid feeling sad, also because they are afraid of change.

The atmosphere was getting gloomy when the sound of a car stopped at the entrance of the village. Everyone turned around and saw Hoa, Mr. Nam's son, getting out. He looked very happy.

- Do you know, gentlemen? That province is about to be merged. These past few days, I've been wandering around the neighboring provinces to see how they've changed and to look for business opportunities. Oh my, the roads have changed so much, everywhere is wide, big, beautiful, it's dizzying.

Hearing Hoa speak, everyone gathered around to ask questions. Seeing that everyone was still wondering about the merger, Hoa laughed heartily:

- Oh, you guys, you have to think more broadly. Now that the merger is over, our province is bigger, more beautiful, more spacious, and our infrastructure is definitely better invested. And now that the digital transformation is complete, you guys don't have to worry about paperwork. Then our children and grandchildren will definitely be able to study in bigger, more beautiful schools; and more advanced hospitals... So what's there to be sad about?

Seeing everyone mumble, Hoa continued:

- I went to do a survey, it's true that sitting in the corner of the house, you don't know how society develops, everyone. Going out is overwhelming. I'm afraid that if we change, we will immediately fall behind. Think about my village, it's near the national highway, when we get here, the village will be bigger, stronger, maybe the bus will even go to the village entrance. This market used to only sell to people in the village and commune, but tomorrow there will be customers from the province, it will be very busy. I don't know what you guys think, but I see only benefits.

Hearing Hoa say that, Mr. Hoa spoke up:

- What Hoa said is also reasonable, the name of the hometown can change, but the people of our hometown remain the same. You must remember, hometown is not just a name, but the place that raised us, is the love of the village, is the values ​​that this generation passes on to the next generation. So no matter what name it has, the important thing is whether the changes really bring us a better life.

Hoa spoke up in support:

- You're right, our homeland will not disappear, it will only grow and expand. Let's all wait. Since the beginning of our country, our ancestors opened up the land, it was wild and there was nothing there. We lived there for a long time, passed down from generation to generation, then it became our homeland. Now we have a whole cultural tradition, so why worry about losing our homeland...

Hearing Hoa say that, everyone was pleased.