B: To start today’s program, we have a message from Erik Oliván Orós, a young listener in Spain.
A: A young listener? That’s nice!
B: Eric is just 11 years old and will celebrate his 12th birthday on September 4. He says he really enjoys listening to the radio, especially shortwave. He recently had the pleasure of listening to VOV’s English program and sent us a detailed reception report.
A: Let me read a few lines from his email. “I’m passionate about English. It's my favorite subject and I'm very good at it. I love collecting QSL cards, postcards, and stamps. I also love receiving letters or messages from you.”
B: Erik, shortwave listening is a wonderful way to discover the world. It can help you make international friends and learn interesting things about their countries.
A: Thank you so much for your thoughtful message and for listening to VOV. We’re delighted to have you as one of our young friends. And since your birthday is coming up, Erik, we’d also like to wish you an early happy 12th birthday!
B: We hope you have a wonderful celebration, and that your collection of QSL cards, postcards and stamps continues to grow.
A: Here we have a reception report from 66-year-old listener Seiji Hattori of Japan. He tuned in to our English programme on August 10, on 9840 kHz, using a SANGEAN receiver.
B: Mr. Hattori gave us very high SINPO ratings at 55544. He said the signal was strong and very stable, with only slight sideband interference and mild fading, which did not affect the reception significantly.
A: He listened to our news bulletin, including developments in Vietnam–Australia cooperation, a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, and a Current Affairs commentary looking at 65 years since Agent Orange disaster began in Vietnam.
B: He also enjoyed the “Colorful Vietnam” segment about ethnic children learning folk songs and traditional crafts during their summer holidays. He was particularly impressed by “Personality of the Week”, which featured French-Vietnamese woman Tran To Nga and her decades-long fight for justice for Agent Orange victims.
A: It sounds like the programme left a strong impression on him. Seiji reflected deeply on the lasting scars of war. His mother was a victim of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. He said that, more than 80 years later, the number of survivors is declining and memories of war are fading, while conflicts continue around the world. He expressed his hope for a world without war.
B: That is a very moving message, Seiji. The stories of those affected by war remind us how precious peace is. Thank you very much for sharing your reflections with us.
A: We’re also pleased that you enjoyed the programmes and found the reception on 9840 kHz so clear and stable. And, of course, we’ve received your request for a QSL verification card. We plan to send one to you soon.
B: Let’s move on to our next message from Ivan Lebedev, a DXer from Russia. He writes: “Thanks for the friendship and for the good distribution of programmes on the shortwave frequency of 11,885 kHz – first English, followed by Russian programmes. I highly appreciate it. News from Vietnam and the world is my priority.”
A: We’re glad that our programmes, in both English and Russian, keep you informed about Vietnam and the world. It’s lovely to hear that Vietnamese music has given Ivan a special connection with our country.
B: He writes: “Some years ago, I learned about Vietnamese female singer Anh Tho, a very beautiful and talented woman. Her voice is soft, tender and strong at the same time. When I hear her voice, I feel better. I also know that her songs are about her native and beloved country, Vietnam.”
A: Anh Thơ is one of Vietnam’s well-known voices in traditional, revolutionary and homeland music. Her powerful yet gentle voice has won the hearts of many listeners, both in Vietnam and abroad.
B: Many of these songs feature gentle melodies that evoke Vietnam’s countryside, rivers, villages and the everyday lives of its people. I think it is this shared love for the homeland that makes Anh Thơ’s songs so appealing and familiar to international listeners like Ivan.
A: Today, August 19, is a very special day in Vietnam’s history. It marks the triumph of the August Revolution in 1945, a historic milestone in the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national independence and freedom.
A: The success of the August Revolution led to the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. On September 2, 1945, President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square, a date now celebrated as Vietnam’s National Day. Later, on July 2, 1976, the nation was officially renamed the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
B: We receive a congratulatory message and best wishes from Vincentiu Gheorghe, Founder and President of the Romanian VOV Club. He writes that the events of August 19, 1945 demonstrated the determination, unity, courage and resilience of the Vietnamese people, and that the enduring legacy of the August Revolution continues to inspire generations of Vietnamese people.
B: Our beloved listener from Romania also highlights the important role of communication and the media during times of profound national transformation. He says that Voice of Vietnam has played a distinctive role in helping audiences around the world learn more about Vietnam, its achievements and perspectives.
A: Vincentiu, we greatly appreciate your friendship and support.
B: I’m reading an email from Muhammad Aqeel Bashir of Pakistan. He told us that he has finally received six QSL cards from VOV from different language services.
A: Mr. Bashir says he has collected them over five months. He was delighted to finally add them to his collection and says each card is a reminder of his connection with Voice of Vietnam and our international broadcasting services.
B: We are grateful for your ongoing commitment and passion for VOV. These cards are a tangible record of your connection with us.
A: Last but not least, we’d like to thank a few more listeners. Reginaldo Anunciação of Brazil listened to our programme on August 11 and enjoyed a range of discussions on Vietnam’s economy and development.
B: Japanese listener, Asai Yuto, tuned in to VOV’s English programme on 12020 kHz on July 29. He noted that reception was excellent, with absolutely no interference. Commenting on VOV’s Current Affairs segment, which discussed the impact of US tariffs, Yuto said, “I reaffirm that US tariffs affect countries around the world, including Japan.”
A: Another Japanese listener Fumito Hokamura regularly tunes in to our broadcasts on 12020 kHz. In a letter dated July 7, he told us about the rainy season in Japan, including several days of heavy rain in Fukuoka City.
B: And Anand Mohan Bain, President of the Pariwar Bandhu SWL Club of India, told us that he had received a QSL card featuring “Cloud-covered Ta Xua Commune, Son La Province.”
A: We always read your messages with care, and we’re happy to send QSL cards to confirm your reception reports. If you haven’t received your verification card yet, please be patient and give us a little more time. We’ll do our best to get it to you soon.
B: That’s all for this week’s Letter Box. Please keep your letters and reception reports coming. We’re NQ and PK. Good bye.
