Ams40 Journey Diary: From Heart to Heart 

Afternoon of June 20, 2025 – At Amsterdam City Hall, a site forever linked to the “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” movement over half a century ago, the AMS40 delegation held an official meeting and tribute with the Amsterdam City Council.

The event was graced by Mr. Kune Burgers, Chairman of the Amsterdam City Council; Ambassador Ngô Hướng Nam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Vietnam to the Netherlands; Mr. Chris de Vries, a former activist directly involved in the 1973 pro-Vietnam movement; and nearly 50 Amsers from 16 countries.

In his speech, Mr. Kune Burgers reflected that as a politician, he often meets citizens to hear complaints, but rarely to receive thanks. He called this moment a deeply touching testament to a long-lasting international friendship. He also emphasized the importance of education in building a fair society and expressed admiration for Hanoi–Amsterdam High School and the contributions of its alumni to both Vietnam and the world.

Ambassador Ngô Hướng Nam praised H-A-O’s journey as a beautiful embodiment of Vietnam’s cultural tradition of gratitude—“when drinking water, remember its source.” He emphasized that Amser alumni today serve as precious bridges between Hanoi and Amsterdam, and expressed hopes for future collaboration between H-A-O, the Embassy, and Amsterdam city authorities to develop concrete educational initiatives.

Mr. Chris de Vries, deeply moved, recalled his youthful days collecting signatures, distributing flyers, and raising funds to support Vietnam. He said he never imagined that, fifty years later, a new generation from Hanoi would return to say thank you. To him, that was the greatest reward.

On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Mai Thanh Ha shared: “We are here not only to express gratitude, but also to carry forward a legacy—to help the current generation understand that the school bearing the name Hanoi–Amsterdam is a symbol of friendship, compassion, and hope for the future.”

As a gesture of thanks, the delegation presented the Amsterdam city government with a unique artwork made from silk scraps, crafted by artists with disabilities at VỤN Art—a heartfelt symbol of Vietnamese appreciation.

The meeting was solemn, emotional, and deeply meaningful—a moment for Amsers of all generations to remember, honor, and renew their commitment. The AMS40 flag was proudly present throughout, captured in images at this historic venue where a unique friendship between two cities once began.

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Immediately following the formal meeting at City Hall, on the afternoon of June 20, 2025, the AMS40 delegation continued its journey to the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA Oosterdok)—a cultural and intellectual symbol of the city—to take part in a meaningful book donation and cultural exchange.

In the warm and modern space of OBA, a public library that welcomes thousands of readers each day, the delegation presented a collection of nearly 100 books in Vietnamese, English, and bilingual editions. These books, contributed by the Amser community and Vietnamese publishers, covered topics such as culture, history, education, children’s literature, and wellness. Titles like Decoding Dong Son Culture, Vietnamese Fairy Tales Treasury, We Love Pho, The Soulful Bookshelf, and The Amazing Human Body are now officially part of OBA’s shelves—marking a significant step in sharing Vietnamese knowledge and identity with the world.

During the handover, Ms. Laura Kruge, library representative, expressed deep appreciation and remarked:

“OBA is not only a place that preserves knowledge, but also a place that connects cultures. Today’s Vietnamese Book Collection is a symbol of sharing, understanding, and respect between communities.”

H-A-O President Mai Thanh Ha added:

“We hope these books will bring Vietnam—a humanistic, peace-loving country that values education—closer to international friends.”

This event was more than a book donation; it was a cultural bridge and an offering of gratitude through knowledge—from one generation of Amsers to the city that helped create Hanoi–Amsterdam High School over 40 years ago. It also served as a tribute to Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary.

The stop at OBA concluded a meaningful day in the journey—where past, present, and future were connected through books, gratitude, and the aspiration to share Vietnamese educational values with the world.

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Morning of June 21, 2025 – Nearly 100 Amsers from across the globe gathered at Dam Square, the symbolic heart of Amsterdam—a place that, more than 50 years ago, witnessed passionate demonstrations by Dutch citizens calling for an end to the war and voicing their support for the Vietnamese people.

In this deeply historic space, H-A-O President Mai Thanh Ha revisited the emotional origins of Hanoi–Amsterdam High School, tracing it back to the “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” movement (1973–1975), when locals raised money, guilder by guilder, to help rebuild Hanoi after the war.

“The school we are so closely tied to today is part of that legacy—a timeless gift of compassion that crossed borders,” he shared.

Following him, Mr. Chris de Vries, a living witness to the movement, recalled his own memories—from first hearing about Điện Biên Phủ on the radio to marching in protests, distributing flyers, gathering signatures, and fundraising for an independent, peaceful Vietnam.

“We weren’t rich,” he said, overcome with emotion, “but we had something powerful—our belief in justice and humanity,” as grateful Amsers embraced him.

The most sacred moment came when the delegation gathered at the very spot where the historic “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” banner once hung. Each window and brick seemed to echo those powerful calls for peace and solidarity.

The AMS40 flag once again flew proudly in the wind, surrounded by smiles and bright eyes—faces of generations of Amsers who continue the “From Heart to Heart” journey through connection, gratitude, and a shared belief in humanity’s enduring values.

On this day, Dam Square was not merely a stop—it was a bridge, where memories came alive and the enduring friendship between Hanoi and Amsterdam continued to shine.
When heart meets heart.

And in that shared spirit of gratitude and celebration, the Amser community proudly saluted the 750th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam—a city whose compassion over five decades ago helped shape generations of students in Vietnam, and whose legacy continues to inspire connections across borders and time.

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Evening of June 21, 2025 – At the Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, nearly 100 Amsers from 16 countries came together for a special event: the Global Amser Connection Gala, closing a deeply meaningful chapter of the “From Heart to Heart” journey.

Guided by hosts Tuấn Phương (Amser 1992–1995) and Hồng Hạnh (Amser 1998–2001), the evening unfolded in a warm yet elegant atmosphere—where stories of history, personal connections, intergenerational bonds, and heartfelt emotions seamlessly blended.

H-A-O President Mai Thanh Ha revisited the emotional origins of Hanoi–Amsterdam High School, sharing powerful images and materials from the “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” movement (1973–1975)—letters, banners, leaflets, and calls for support—that vividly brought to life the school’s foundation story. He emphasized:

“We are here not only to express gratitude, but to continue the legacy—to help today’s generation understand that Hanoi–Amsterdam is a symbol of international friendship, compassion, and belief in the future. And now, as we discussed with city leaders on June 20, 2025, we can begin forming collaborative efforts in education, science, business, and beyond.”

Standing in Amsterdam—the city that extended a helping hand to Hanoi more than half a century ago—made every moment feel sacred, like a reunion between memory and the present.

From setting foot in Dam Square, where anti-war protests and fundraising once took place, to standing before buildings that once displayed the “Amsterdam Helpt Hanoi” banners, and especially meeting Mr. Chris de Vries, who had marched for Vietnam’s peace—each encounter left a profound and lasting impression on every Amser present.

Now 84, Mr. de Vries shared memories of his passionate youth, taking to the streets for justice and peace. The room fell silent when he said:

“I never imagined that after half a century, I would meet young people from Hanoi, coming to say thank you. That truly touches the heart.”

He added:

“We weren’t wealthy, but we had something strong: our belief in justice and in humanity.”

His sincere, deeply human words resonated with everyone in the room—a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of kindness, solidarity, and compassion.

In a gesture of gratitude, the Amser delegation presented Mr. de Vries with a modest yet meaningful gift—a token of appreciation from generations of Hanoi–Amsterdam students. The AMS40 Flag Signing once again became a poignant highlight, as each person inscribed messages of gratitude, love, and commitment to carry the legacy forward.

In a spirit of joy and unity, Amsers raised their glasses in celebration of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, Ams’s 40th anniversary, and 25 years of H-A-O—milestones that represent a beautiful fusion of memory, present-day meaning, and aspirations for the future.

Though the gala ended late into the night, the stories, hugs, and laughter continued—because the bond that connects the Amser community transcends geography and generations. From the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, and across Europe—whether Siêu Cổ alumni or current students abroad—all were united by the humanistic spirit of a special school, a special community, and a deep, abiding love for Amsterdam—the city that planted the first seed from the heart.

From heart to heart—from memory to action—from Amsers around the world to Amsterdam—this journey will continue.

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