1. Essay in which you take on the role of composer Văn Cao, narrating the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature - Cánh diều Textbook)
Today, the song 'Tiến quân ca' is well-known and beloved by all Vietnamese citizens as the National Anthem. However, not everyone is familiar with its origin story. Allow me to recount the historical event behind its creation.
Before composing 'Tiến quân ca,' I once believed I had lost all the dreams and passions of my youth. I felt deeply despondent and disheartened. My friends often praised me for my talents, as I was versed in painting, poetry, and music. But my disappointment made me consider giving it all up. Thankfully, I reunited with my brother Ph. D, who introduced me to Vũ Qúy, a mentor who had been following my artistic journey for years. After speaking with Vũ Qúy, I found a new path forward—one focused on revolutionary ideals.
I eagerly wanted to wield a rifle and join the armed forces. However, my task was to compose music. At that time, a new military training course was starting, and there was a need for a song to boost the morale of the revolutionary army. Though I had composed many patriotic songs like 'Đống Đa,' 'Thăng Long March,' and 'Tiếng rừng,' I had never written a revolutionary anthem.
I had never held a rifle or joined an armed unit. I was only writing a song. I had never been to the war zone; I only knew the roads around me—like Ga Street, Hàng Bông, and Bờ Hồ. I had not yet met the revolutionaries in the first training course to understand how they sang. Yet, with all my patriotic fervor, in a small attic on Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, I felt as if I were living in a forest somewhere far away in Việt Bắc. In that tiny space of imagination, I composed the melody and lyrics for 'Tiến quân ca.'
Ph. D, who witnessed the birth of the anthem, Vũ Qúy, the first to hear it, and Nguyễn Đình Thi, who was the first to perform it, were deeply moved. They felt a renewed sense of belief and determination. I never expected that only a short time later, on August 17, 1945, at a rally of Hanoi’s civil servants, my song would be sung by thousands of people in front of the Grand Theatre. 'Tiến quân ca' resonated like a bomb. Tears streamed down my face.
Around me, thousands of voices joined in, singing with energy. On people's sleeves, red and yellow star flags replaced the yellow ones of the Trần Trọng Kim government. In a moment, flyers with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were distributed to everyone at the rally. I stood in the crowd in front of the Grand Theatre, listening to the familiar voice of my friend Ph. D through the loudspeaker. He was the one who lowered the red and yellow flag and grabbed the microphone to sing. This quiet man had the power to captivate tens of thousands of people that day, becoming the first person to perform the anthem before the public, and it was a moment that would never happen again.
The second time my song was sung was during a rally on August 19, when thousands of people and children joined in singing 'Tiến quân ca.' The voices of tens of thousands raised in defiance against imperialism, celebrating the victorious revolution.
And that is the story of how 'Tiến quân ca' came into being. Later, the song was adopted as the National Anthem of Vietnam, and it remains a source of pride, not only for me but for the entire nation.

2. Essay where you take on the role of composer Văn Cao and recount the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature - Cánh diều Textbook)
I am composer Văn Cao, the creator of the song 'Tiến quân ca.' This song was born in a unique historical context. For me, it marked a significant turning point in my life and signified the moment I found my true purpose.
There was a time when I had lost all the dreams and passions of my youth. Life was nothing but frustration and despair. Just when I was about to give up everything, my close friend Ph. D. appeared, changing the course of my life. Through his introduction, I met Vũ Quý, a mentor who had long been following my artistic journey. After a conversation with him, I discovered a new path for myself—one aligned with revolutionary ideals.
At that time, the anti-Japanese military training was about to begin, and a song was needed to inspire the revolutionary army. Looking back, I had written many patriotic songs like 'Đống Đa,' 'Thăng Long March,' and 'Tiếng rừng,' but I had never composed a revolutionary anthem. With my passion and enthusiasm, I created the lyrics for 'Tiến quân ca.' Ph. D. was the witness to the entire process of its creation, Vũ Quý was the first to hear it, and Nguyễn Đình Thi was the first to sing it. They were deeply moved by the song.
I never expected that just a short time later, on August 17, 1945, 'Tiến quân ca' would be sung by thousands of people at a rally in front of the Grand Theatre. The feeling I had in that moment was indescribable. The song erupted like a bomb. In an instant, flyers with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were distributed to everyone at the rally. I stood among the crowd, listening to the familiar voice of my friend Ph. D. over the loudspeaker. The second time the song was sung was on August 19, when thousands of people and children sang 'Tiến quân ca' together.
'Tiến quân ca' was born in this way, during a historical period that marked 'a new dawn' for the nation. I cannot help but feel proud when I think back on that moment.

3. Essay where you take on the role of composer Văn Cao and recount the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature - Cánh diều Textbook)
'Tiến quân ca' – the anthem chosen for the country of Vietnam. I am Văn Cao, the composer of this song.
The creation of this anthem occurred during a particularly significant period in history, one that holds great meaning for the nation. For me, this song represents a personal milestone, marking a major shift in my life. Before its creation, I had lost the dreams and ambitions of my youth. Each day seemed like a never-ending cycle of monotony and despair. Just as I was about to give up, my dear friend Ph.D. appeared, and my life took a turn for the better.
Through Ph.D., I met Vũ Quý, who had been following my artistic journey for some time. After our conversation, I discovered a path I could follow—the path of revolution. At that time, the revolutionary forces were about to launch anti-Japanese military training, and a song was needed to inspire the army. Although I had written many songs about patriotism such as 'Đống Đa,' 'Thăng Long March,' and 'Tiếng rừng,' none were focused on the revolution itself. That’s when I composed 'Tiến quân ca.'
Ph.D. witnessed the entire process of its creation, Vũ Quý was the first to hear it, and Nguyễn Đình Thi was the first to perform the song. They all shared the same feelings of pride and emotion when listening to the anthem. What I didn’t expect was that just a short time after its completion, on August 17, 1945, 'Tiến quân ca' was sung by thousands of people at a rally in front of the Grand Theatre. The song created a huge impact. In a flash, flyers with the song's lyrics were handed out to everyone attending the rally. I stood among the crowd, hearing the familiar voice of Ph.D. over the loudspeakers. On August 19, during the success of the August Revolution in Hanoi, I heard thousands of people and children singing 'Tiến quân ca.'
Thus, 'Tiến quân ca' was born, during a historic period that marked a 'new dawn' for the nation. As the composer, I cannot help but feel immense joy and pride.

4. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
The national anthem of Vietnam – a song that has long become a sacred part of the Vietnamese people's spiritual life. On every important occasion for the country, when the familiar melody plays, my heart fills with pride and joy. Perhaps it’s because I was the one who composed this anthem.
In my youth, I was a relatively well-known figure. My friends often praised me as a talented person, knowledgeable in both poetry and painting. Yet, few knew that I spent a long period of despair, unable to find purpose in my life. I lived without dreams or ambitions. Luckily, I met Ph.D., and through him, I reconnected with Vũ Quý. After speaking with him, I felt enlightened and found my life's purpose. No longer trapped in despair, I longed to join the revolution, to fight alongside my comrades. However, the task assigned to me was to create an artistic work.
When I first started composing 'Tiến quân ca,' I had never held a weapon or been part of any armed group. I was merely focused on composing the song. I didn’t know the battlefields, only familiar streets like Ga Street, Hàng Bông, and Bờ Hồ. I hadn’t yet met the revolutionary soldiers of the first military training course to understand how they sang. But with the enthusiasm of youth, I composed 'Tiến quân ca' in a small attic on Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, with Ph.D. as my witness, Vũ Quý as the first to hear it, and Nguyễn Đình Thi deeply moved as he sang it for the first time.
The song was born and received widespread support. On August 17, 1945, 'Tiến quân ca' was first publicly performed at a rally of Hanoi civil servants. In front of the Grand Theatre, thousands of people raised their voices in harmony, filled with revolutionary fervor. Flyers with the song's lyrics were distributed to everyone attending the rally. Over the loudspeakers, I heard Ph.D.'s voice.
The second public performance of 'Tiến quân ca' took place on August 19, when thousands of people and children raised their voices, singing fiercely against the imperialist oppressors, proud of the revolution's victory.
'Tiến quân ca' – Vietnam's national anthem – was born during this historic period, marking the new dawn of the country.

5. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
'Tiến quân ca' – the anthem selected as Vietnam's national song. I am Văn Cao, the composer of this anthem. This song was born in a particularly significant historical context, one that holds great importance for the country.
For me personally, the creation of this anthem marked a pivotal moment in my life. Before this, I had lost my youthful dreams and aspirations. Each day seemed to repeat a monotonous cycle of despair. Just as I was about to give up, my close friend, Dr. Ph.D., appeared and changed my life. Through him, I met Vũ Quý, who had been following my artistic journey for a long time. After our conversation, I found a path forward—the path of revolution.
At that time, the main anti-Japanese military forces were about to begin their operations, and a song was needed to boost the morale of the revolutionary army. I had written many patriotic songs, such as 'Đống Đa,' 'Thăng Long Anthem,' and 'Tiếng rừng,' but none had addressed revolution directly. That’s when I composed 'Tiến quân ca.'
Dr. Ph.D., who witnessed the entire composition process, was the first to hear it, and Nguyễn Đình Thi was the first to sing it. We all shared the same emotions—pride and excitement—when hearing this song.
What I did not anticipate was that, shortly after its creation, on August 17, 1945, thousands of people sang 'Tiến quân ca' in unison at a rally in front of the Grand Theatre. The song truly made a powerful impression. During this time, flyers with the song's lyrics were distributed to everyone at the rally. I stood in the crowd in front of the Grand Theatre, hearing the familiar voice of my friend Dr. Ph.D. through the loudspeakers.
On August 19, thousands of citizens and children sang 'Tiến quân ca' during the success of the August Revolution in Hanoi. Thus, the song 'Tiến quân ca' was born during a historic period that marked a 'new dawn' for the nation. As its composer, I could not help but feel immense joy and pride.

6. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
The national anthem of Vietnam has long been an inseparable part of every Vietnamese's heart. That song is my voice during the turbulent days when the country was engulfed in the fires of war. Perhaps many people are familiar with its lyrics and melody, but few know the unique story behind its creation. Allow me to share the special journey of this anthem's birth.
Back then, I was a young man known for my talent, praised by my friends for my knowledge of both poetry and painting. But as some of you might know, for a long period, I fell into despair, unable to find purpose in my life. I was disheartened, with no dreams, no aspirations. Each day felt like a monotonous repetition of dullness. Youth is meant to be full of dreams and ambitions. Luckily, at just the right moment, I met Dr. Ph.D. Through him, I reconnected with Vũ Quý. After speaking with Vũ Quý, I felt enlightened and found my life's meaning. No longer lost in despair, I longed to join the revolution, dreaming of fighting side by side with my comrades. Yet, the task assigned to me was to create art.
When I began composing 'Tiến quân ca,' I had never held a weapon, nor had I ever joined any armed forces. Moreover, I had not met any revolutionary soldiers from the training camp that year, which made composing the song even more challenging. All I knew were the streets of Hanoi—Ga Street, Hàng Bông Street, and Bờ Hồ. But with all my heart, I imagined a revolutionary camp and a forest in Việt Bắc, and used that vision to craft the melody and lyrics for 'Tiến quân ca.' In the small attic on Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, I completed the song with Dr. Ph.D. and Vũ Quý as witnesses.
'Tiến quân ca' was born and quickly gained the support of the people. On August 17, 1945, the song was first publicly performed during a rally of Hanoi's civil servants. In front of the Grand Theatre, thousands of voices soared in unison, filling the air with a triumphant and heroic energy. That day, I could not hold back my tears as I stood surrounded by thousands of voices. Flyers with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were distributed to everyone attending the rally. Over the loudspeakers, I heard Dr. Ph.D.'s voice singing with deep pride. A man who was usually reserved, he captivated the crowd when he sang for the first time in front of so many people.
The second public appearance of 'Tiến quân ca' was during another rally on August 19. On that day, thousands of people, along with children, raised their voices in defiance against the imperialist oppressors, singing with pride for the victory of the revolution. And so, 'Tiến quân ca' was born and matured in such a way. Today, it stands as the national anthem of Vietnam, and surely, all Vietnamese citizens feel immense pride when they sing the words of 'Tiến quân ca.'

7. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
'Tiến quân ca' is the most cherished artistic creation of mine. This song has been embraced by generations and has become the national anthem of Vietnam. Every time I see students singing its lyrics on significant occasions, I am deeply moved. For me, the days spent composing 'Tiến quân ca' are filled with many memories. Today, I would like to share the story behind the creation of this song.
Before I was asked to compose this anthem, I was going through a difficult period. I hadn’t found my own path yet. While my friends admired me for my artistic talents, I felt empty inside. In the midst of my despair, I was fortunate to meet Dr. Ph.D. Through him, I had the opportunity to meet Vũ Quý, a mentor I deeply respected. He had been following my artistic journey since I began composing.
Our conversations made me value him even more. The discussion with Vũ Quý enlightened me, and I found the right path for myself—a path that aligned with the revolution. From that moment, I eagerly anticipated the day I could bear a rifle, march on the battlefield, and wear the sacred five-pointed star on my cap. The desire to join the armed forces burned within me. However, the task I was given was to create art for the resistance. Though I was slightly disappointed, I understood that every task, no matter what, must contribute to the revolution, so I accepted it without hesitation.
Previously, my compositions like 'Thăng Long March,' 'Forest Sounds,' and 'Đống Đa' expressed patriotism... but none had ever focused on the revolution. I had never held a gun, nor had I set foot in a revolutionary camp. Back then and even now, I only knew streets like Ga, Hàng Bông, and Bờ Hồ, the places I passed by every day. I had never met the revolutionary soldiers in the main training camp. Yet, with all my passion and love for the country, I imagined living in the revolutionary camp, marching with the army into battle, and composing the melody for 'Tiến quân ca.' In a small attic on Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, I completed the song with Dr. Ph.D. and Vũ Quý as witnesses. The song was later sung by composer Nguyễn Đình Thi. They were deeply moved by every melody and lyric, saying it infused strength, confidence, and willpower.
What surprised me even more was how quickly the song became known. On August 17, 1945, during a rally of civil servants in Hanoi, 'Tiến quân ca' was sung by thousands of people in front of the Grand Theatre. That sacred moment was so emotional. Tears welled up in my eyes. Around me, thousands of voices rose in unison. Flyers with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were handed out to everyone in the crowd. Standing among the people, I heard Dr. Ph.D.'s familiar voice over the loudspeaker. It was the first and only time I saw him, a usually quiet man, singing in front of tens of thousands.
The second time 'Tiến quân ca' was performed was during a rally on August 19. That day, thousands of adults and children sang the anthem, shouting their hatred of the imperialist oppressors, with pride in the revolutionary victory. And so, 'Tiến quân ca' was born in such a special way. Now and for all time, I doubt I will ever forget the years I spent composing this song.

8. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
The song 'Tiến quân ca,' commonly known as the national anthem of Vietnam, is deeply familiar to every Vietnamese citizen. However, many may not be aware of how this song came into existence. On the occasion of the August Revolution anniversary, I would like to share the story behind the creation of 'Tiến quân ca.'
It must be said that this anthem emerged in a very special historical context, as the country was on the brink of entering a new era. 'Tiến quân ca' also marks a turning point in my life – it helped me discover my life's purpose. There was a time when I thought I had no dreams or aspirations left, and my life was drowning in sadness and disappointment. Just when I was about to give up everything—poetry, painting, music—my close friend, Dr. Ph.D., appeared. He helped me find a new direction in life.
Dr. Ph.D. introduced me to Vũ Quý, an elder who had been closely following my artistic journey. After a conversation with him, I found my new path—the revolutionary path. At that moment, I was eager to take up arms and join the armed forces. However, Vũ Quý assigned me the task of creating an anthem for the revolution.
The national army was soon preparing for the fight against Japan, and there was a need for a song to boost the morale of the revolutionary forces. Honestly, I had written patriotic songs before, like 'Đống Đa' and 'Thăng Long March,' but I had never composed one specifically about the revolution. I had never held a rifle, nor had I met the revolutionary soldiers to hear their songs. Yet, with the fiery passion of youth and love for my country, I sat in my small attic in Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, Hanoi, and felt as though I were living in the forests of Viet Bac. Dr. Ph.D., who witnessed the creation of 'Tiến quân ca,' Vũ Quý, who was the first to hear the anthem, and Nguyễn Đình Thi, who was the first to sing the song, were all deeply moved. They told me that the song instilled in them a sense of faith and determination.
At the time, I never imagined that just a short while later, on August 17, 1945, during a rally in Hanoi, 'Tiến quân ca' would be sung by thousands of people in front of the Grand Theatre. That day, the anthem exploded like a bomb. Tears welled up in my eyes. Surrounding me, thousands of voices joined together in spirited chorus. On people's arms, red flags with yellow stars replaced the gold bands of the Trần Trọng Kim government.
In that moment, flyers with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were handed out to every participant. I stood among the crowd in front of the Grand Theatre and heard Dr. Ph.D.'s familiar voice through the loudspeakers. He was the one who grabbed the loudspeaker and began singing the anthem. The second time 'Tiến quân ca' was sung was on August 19, when thousands of people, including children, sang it together. Tens of thousands of voices roared, as though shouting at the imperialists, celebrating the victorious revolution.
And so, 'Tiến quân ca' was born. The song came into existence during an era marking a new dawn for the nation. It is not only my personal pride but also a source of pride for the entire Vietnamese people. Whenever I reflect on this memory, I am filled with emotion.

9. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
We have all heard and sung the national anthem countless times during flag ceremonies, a song that truly embodies the spirit of our nation. This anthem is 'Tiến quân ca,' composed by musician Văn Cao. It has been the national anthem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam since 1946, when Vietnam was still the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
In the winter of 1944, Văn Cao met Vũ Quý, a member of the Viet Minh, at Hàng Cỏ station. Vũ Quý, who had known Văn Cao for some time, encouraged him to compose patriotic songs like 'Đống Đa' and 'Thăng Long hành khúc ca.' Vũ Quý then suggested that Văn Cao step away from his previous activities and take on the revolutionary task of writing a march for the Viet Minh army. Văn Cao worked on the song for several days at his attic at 45 Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street. In a note written in July 1976, he recalled, 'I was just composing a song. I had never been to the revolutionary base areas, only familiar with the streets like Phố Ga, Hàng Bông, and Bờ Hồ where I regularly walked. I had never met any revolutionary soldiers from the first training camp, nor did I know how they sang. I just thought about writing a simple song that they could easily sing.'
Văn Cao stated that the title and lyrics of the anthem were a continuation of his earlier compositions, 'Thăng Long hành khúc ca' ('March to the High Tower of Thăng Long') and 'Đống Đa' ('March of the Troops'): 'Advance towards the great Thăng Long city,' and 'The troops march, shouting through the distant forests.' He then condensed those lines into what became 'Tiến quân ca.' After completing the song, he played it for Vũ Quý, who was very pleased and asked him to write the song on a lithograph. 'Tiến quân ca' was first published in the arts section of the Độc Lập newspaper in November 1944, in a lithographed version written by Văn Cao himself. Nguyễn Đình Thi, who heard Văn Cao perform the song, was deeply moved and suggested that each of them write another song for the Viet Minh front.
Nguyễn Đình Thi then wrote 'Diệt phát xít' ('Destroy the Fascists'), while Văn Cao composed 'Chiến sĩ Việt Nam' ('Vietnamese Soldiers'). Both songs became widely popular. On August 13, 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh officially approved 'Tiến quân ca' as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. On August 17, 1945, during a rally in Hanoi in front of the Grand Theatre, 'Tiến quân ca' was performed for the first time. Later, on August 19, 1945, during another rally, the Young Pioneer Choir sang 'Tiến quân ca' while saluting the red flag with a yellow star.
On September 2, 1945, 'Tiến quân ca' was officially performed during the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square by the Liberation Army Band, led by Đinh Ngọc Liên. Prior to the performance, musicians Đinh Ngọc Liên and Nguyễn Hữu Hiếu consulted with Văn Cao and agreed to make two slight adjustments to the song: shortening the first note in the word 'Đoàn' and the note 'mi' in 'xác,' making the anthem more powerful.
In 1946, the First National Assembly officially declared 'Tiến quân ca' as the national anthem. Article 3 of the first constitution of Vietnam states: 'The national anthem is 'Tiến quân ca.' In 1955, during the fifth session of the First National Assembly, it was decided that the author should be invited to make minor revisions to the anthem's lyrics.
To this day, the song has undergone only slight changes (e.g., 'Đoàn quân Việt Minh đi' in the original version was changed to 'Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi' in the current version), but it remains the same 'Tiến quân ca' that was approved by the First National Assembly as the national anthem. Along with the national flag, the red flag with a yellow star, 'Tiến quân ca' is a cherished and unforgettable symbol of the Vietnamese people.

10. An essay from the perspective of composer Văn Cao, recounting the creation of the song 'Tiến quân ca' (Grade 7 Literature – Cánh diều Textbook)
Today, the anthem 'Tiến quân ca' is deeply ingrained in the hearts of every Vietnamese citizen as the national anthem. However, not everyone knows the full story behind the creation of this iconic song. Let me share the historical event that led to its creation.
Youth is a time of dreams, ambition, and hope. But at that time, I had lost my passion, my youthful dreams, overwhelmed by sadness and despair. At my lowest point, I met Vũ Quý through my close friend Ph.D. When I met Vũ Quý, I longed to join the revolutionary base areas with the comrades, carrying a gun to fight the enemy. But perhaps Vũ Quý, who had been following my artistic journey, entrusted me with the task of composing music to inspire the revolutionary army.
When I began composing 'Tiến quân ca,' I had never held a gun, never joined any armed forces, and had never been to the revolutionary base areas. I had never met any revolutionary soldiers from the first military training camp. But in my small attic on Nguyễn Thượng Hiền Street, I imagined it was the revolutionary base, a forest somewhere in Việt Bắc, and the lyrics flowed out naturally, appearing under my pen. In that attic, Ph.D. witnessed the birth of 'Tiến quân ca,' and Vũ Quý was the first to hear it.
The song was warmly received. It was first performed on August 17, 1945, during a rally of Hanoi's civil servants. At this event, thousands of people joined in, singing 'Tiến quân ca' in unison in front of the Grand Theatre. The song exploded like a bomb. Tears filled my eyes as I heard thousands of voices singing the enthusiastic, spirited lyrics.
During the rally, leaflets with the lyrics of 'Tiến quân ca' were handed out to everyone. At that moment, my friend Ph.D. dropped the red and yellow flag and seized the loudspeaker to sing the anthem. This quiet man had an incredible ability to captivate the crowd with his voice that day; he was the first to sing the anthem in front of the public, and it was a unique occasion. The second time my anthem was performed was on August 19, during another rally where thousands of people, including children, sang the song together, raising their voices in hatred toward the imperialist forces, celebrating the triumphant revolution.
This is how 'Tiến quân ca' was born. Later, it was chosen as the national anthem of Vietnam, and to this day, it remains a source of pride not just for me, but for the entire Vietnamese nation.
