80th Anniversary of National Day: From historic victory to development aspirations

Photo caption

On September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence at the historic Ba Dinh Square, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Photo: VNA file

Over the past eight decades with many stages of development, Vietnam has achieved important achievements in building and defending the Fatherland, affirming the Party's leadership role, the strength of national unity and the aspiration to develop the country.

Courage and creativity in leadership

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Duc Cuong, former President of the Vietnam Historical Science Association, the August Revolution was one of the greatest victories of the Vietnamese people in the 20th century. That success was not the result of a spontaneous movement, but the result of a long-term, persistent preparation process, closely organized and led by the correct and creative guidelines of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

Associate Professor Tran Duc Cuong said that since its inception, the Party has determined the strategic goal of gaining national independence associated with building a new society on the socialist path. During that process, struggles such as the Nghe Tinh Soviet and the anti-Japanese national salvation movement have become large-scale political and social exercises, helping to train forces, arouse the fighting spirit and expand the influence of the revolution. President Ho Chi Minh, with his strategic vision, accurately identified the historical moment, thereby directing the appropriate shift in the direction of the struggle, placing the task of national liberation first.

Under the leadership of the Party, preparations for the general uprising were carried out comprehensively, from building political bases in all regions to establishing core armed forces and forming strategic bases. The Viet Minh Front played a core role, gathering a wide range of people, promoting propaganda, enlightening the masses and consolidating the great national unity bloc. The Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army and National Salvation Army teams not only performed military tasks but also directly mobilized and organized movements, creating a solid political and military foundation to wait for the opportunity for the general uprising.

Associate Professor Tran Duc Cuong analyzed that the decisive moment took place in mid-August 1945, when Japan surrendered to the Allies, the puppet government apparatus collapsed, and the people were seething with enthusiasm. Seizing the opportunity, the Party promptly issued a general uprising order across the country. In less than half a month, the government in most localities was in the hands of the people. Many places even took the initiative to revolt before there was an official directive, demonstrating the proactive spirit, self-awareness, and absolute trust of the masses in the Party's leadership.

Not only seizing the right opportunity, the art of gathering forces and flexibly utilizing the great national unity bloc was also promoted to the highest level. All classes, regardless of class, religion or political tendency, all aimed towards the goal of gaining independence. At the same time, the support from the anti-fascist movement in the world and the favorable international environment created more conditions for the Vietnamese revolution to achieve complete victory.

Associate Professor Tran Duc Cuong affirmed that the victory of the August Revolution not only ended colonial and feudal domination, opening an era of independence and freedom for the nation, but also proved a truth: when the entire nation unites under wise leadership, all difficulties and challenges can be overcome. This is a solid foundation for Vietnam to continue to promote its strength in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.

Photo caption

Parade on Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi) to celebrate National Day September 2, 1960. Photo: VNA archive

Eternal values and aspirations to rise

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Ha, Institute of History (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) affirmed that the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 are brilliant milestones in the history of the nation, crystallizing the indomitable will and aspiration for independence and freedom of the Vietnamese people. This is an event that completely abolished the colonial and feudal regimes, and at the same time laid the foundation for a rule of law state of the people, by the people and for the people, which is the model of a modern state, where power belongs to the people and is exercised based on the law.

Dr. Pham Thi Hong Ha analyzed that the victory of the August Revolution left behind valuable lessons of lasting value. That is the lesson of always putting national interests first, knowing how to gather and promote the strength of great national unity. It is the consensus and joint efforts of millions of people across the country that created an invincible strength, capable of defeating all invading and oppressive forces.

Another important value is the leadership role of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. The correct strategic line, flexible tactics, and the ability to grasp and take advantage of opportunities have turned the turbulent moments of history into opportunities for victory. According to Dr. Pham Thi Hong Ha, this is a living proof of a steadfast revolutionary Party, closely attached to the people, always acting for the benefit of the Fatherland, which will lead the nation to overcome all challenges.

The August Revolution also showed the importance of combining national strength with the strength of the times. Vietnam in 1945 skillfully took advantage of the international context, the rising wave of anti-fascism and national liberation movements, to combine with domestic conditions, creating a combined strength to bring the revolution to a quick victory. This lesson still holds true in the context of deep international integration today, when Vietnam is both steadfast in defending its independence and sovereignty and actively expanding cooperation, enhancing its position in the international arena.

According to Dr. Pham Thi Hong Ha, the 80th anniversary of National Day is not only an occasion to review the glorious past and pay tribute to previous generations, but also a reminder for today's generation to continue and promote the spirit of the August Revolution in all areas of life. That requires determination to innovate thinking, improve the quality of education, promote scientific research, preserve national cultural identity and strengthen national defense and security. This is the path to realizing the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous Vietnam.

Ly Thanh Huong (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/80-nam-quoc-khanh-tu-thang-loi-lich-su-den-khat-vong-phat-trien-20250815123551886.htm