Blood and flowers on our beloved S-shaped land!
The events of April 30, 1975, not only ended a protracted war but also opened a new chapter in the history of the Vietnamese nation. Looking back on the journey, we increasingly appreciate the value of peace , independence, and sustainable development of our country.
Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, Vietnam was temporarily divided into two regions with two different political systems. The North pursued socialist construction, while the South was under the control of the Republic of Vietnam government. Increasing American intervention led to a prolonged and brutal war.
In 1975, recognizing favorable international and domestic conditions, the Politburo decided to launch the Spring Offensive and Uprising of 1975 with the goal of completely liberating South Vietnam. The campaign unfolded in three main phases: the Central Highlands Campaign (March 1975) – beginning with the Battle of Buon Ma Thuot, where the liberation forces quickly seized control of the Central Highlands, creating a rapid offensive and liberating Tuy Hoa and Phu Yen; the Hue-Da Nang Campaign (March-April 1975): Continuing the momentum of victory, our forces liberated Hue, Da Nang, and the central provinces, significantly weakening the enemy forces; and finally, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (April 1975): This was the decisive campaign, aiming to liberate Saigon-Gia Dinh. On April 30, 1975, the liberation army entered Saigon, capturing the Independence Palace at 11:30 AM, forcing President Duong Van Minh to declare unconditional surrender, ending the war and unifying the country...
And so, on April 30, 1975, a small Vietnam demonstrated to the world the indomitable strength of national unity. Starting with simple bamboo sticks and rudimentary spears, the honest and gentle people, "rising from the mud and shining brightly," bravely resisted the cannons, fleets, and flying fortresses. As one generation fell, another rose up, leading to the reunification of the nation. That was the final day of the war, after hardships and sacrifices, with the spirit of "all for the front lines," the Vietnamese people achieved complete independence and freedom after more than 100 years of French rule and 21 years of American rule. The sacrifices of generations of Vietnamese people were justly rewarded. After 21 years of being divided by the Ben Hai River, the beloved S-shaped strip of land was reunited, the nation brought together as one. Children no longer had to run along the riverbanks, calling out for their mothers until their voices were hoarse. These couples didn't have to break their vows for just two years, but for a full 21 years...
After 50 years of national reunification, under the leadership of the Party, our people have overcome countless difficulties and challenges, gradually building the country and achieving great achievements of historical significance.
From a country severely devastated by war, Vietnam's economy has made remarkable strides. The comprehensive national reform initiated in 1986 lifted Vietnam out of underdevelopment, transforming it into a dynamic economy in the region and globally, and a safe destination for leading international investors. Vietnam is increasingly proactive and actively integrating into the international community comprehensively and deeply; it is a reliable friend and partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, earning high praise from the international community.
Economically, Vietnam's GDP in 2024 is projected to reach US$476.3 billion with a growth rate exceeding 7%, ranking 33rd in the world, and per capita income reaching US$4,700. Total import and export value is expected to reach US$786.29 billion, with a trade surplus of over US$24.77 billion; attracting over US$38.23 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI)…
On April 19th, amidst the nationwide excitement in preparation for the historic 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country, and in gratitude to the compatriots and comrades who have contributed and sacrificed for the cause of building and protecting the Vietnamese Fatherland, the Government held online groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies for 80 major and key projects and works spanning the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam, with a total investment of approximately 450 trillion VND. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his hope that the key socio-economic projects being launched and inaugurated across the country are all important projects with strategic significance, reflecting the will and determination of the Party, the State, ministries, localities, and businesses in creating new development spaces, laying the foundation to promote the country's socio-economic growth and development, ensuring social welfare, national security and defense, continuously improving the material and spiritual lives of the people, and providing a solid foundation for the country to enter an era of strong development. “I expect these will be important projects, projects with symbolic significance that contribute to positioning Vietnam's image as 'Independence - Peace - Unity - Self-reliance - Happiness - Prosperity - Civilization - Abundance' on the world map, and ultimately bringing benefits to the people, allowing them to enjoy the fruits of these projects.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that, in the context of rapidly changing and complex global and domestic situations, with many new issues arising, with the spirit of extraordinary efforts to "turn crisis into opportunity," "proactive, skillful, and flexible to change the state and turn the situation around"; with the motto "discipline and responsibility, proactive and timely action, accelerated creativity, and sustainable effectiveness," we believe that, with the wisdom and resilience of Vietnam, tested and forged through thousands of years of history in nation-building and national defense, we will continue to shine to bring our country to new heights, achieving even greater achievements in the era of striving for development, wealth, civilization, and prosperity, standing shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world, as our beloved President Ho Chi Minh always wished during his lifetime.
Together we will continue to write the story of peace.
In just three days, the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country will officially take place in Ho Chi Minh City. However, since the beginning of April, young people have been excitedly updating images and videos capturing proud moments and expressing their patriotism everywhere. Many alleyways, tourist spots, and cafes across the country have proactively redesigned their spaces and products to feature the national flag, commemorative slogans, or cultural symbols…
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Proud to be Vietnamese. (Illustrative image - Source: ST) |
These days, many videos created by young people on social media evoke a sense of pride in viewers. Sometimes it's just a small moment capturing a peaceful city, a clip showing a flag fluttering in the wind, or the most beautiful and modern aspects of their lives... And all these beautiful things are encapsulated in two words: Peace.
Many young people are also taking the opportunity to review their historical knowledge to better understand the heroic spirit and national pride on the day of the parade. Besides that, many are updating videos… practicing singing, preparing themselves to join in the national anthem. Songs brimming with patriotism and national pride are being popularized among young people: "Vietnamese Hearts," "Joining Hands," "Marching Under the Military Banner," "As If Uncle Ho Were Present on the Day of Great Victory," "Life Is Still Beautiful,"... are popular songs that are spreading widely across social media. At this "national concert," everyone carries within them a burning love for their country and pride. Seeing the music spreading, every Vietnamese person believes that the upcoming parade is nothing short of a "national concert." At this concert for the whole nation, everyone carries within them a burning love for their country and national pride. The closer it gets to April 30th, the higher that spirit rises.
These April days, thousands of people from all over the country have gathered in Ho Chi Minh City to watch the artillery fire on Bach Dang Wharf, and to observe the rehearsals of the parade and marching teams along some of the city's central streets. Everyone is filled with pride in being Vietnamese, grateful to the generations of ancestors who sacrificed their lives and blood for the peace and independence we enjoy today.
Many children, dressed in pretty little ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) or army green uniforms, excitedly waved red flags with yellow stars when they met the soldiers, took pictures, and shook hands with them. Along the parade routes during the rehearsals, besides the shouts of the commanders, there were also cheers and encouragement from the people. The pride in the country's history and the soldiers of Uncle Ho always surges powerfully in every Vietnamese citizen!
The image of a young boy wearing a red and yellow flag shirt and a bucket hat, clutching a picture of President Ho Chi Minh while visiting the artillery battleground at Bach Dang Wharf, is a deeply emotional and sacred moment. Holding the picture, the boy sang along to the music, swaying gently to the rhythm. It's not just a beautiful moment, but also a symbol of the tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source," of patriotism nurtured from childhood, ingrained in the subconscious of every Vietnamese person...
The image of 77-year-old veteran Tran Van Thanh from Nghe An province, who drove his motorbike to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country, has touched many hearts. His journey began on April 17, 2025, with the sight of his motorbike carrying a fluttering red flag with a yellow star on the national highway. Mr. Thanh shared that this was a long-cherished dream: to revisit the old battlefields of Quang Tri and explore the country. “I didn’t take a bus or taxi; I chose to travel by motorbike because I wanted to explore every square meter of Vietnam…”
"Peace is beautiful, let's be Vietnamese together again in the next life," are the promises uttered by young people with pride, expressing their respect and gratitude for the country and the sacrifices of their ancestors, steeped in blood and flowers. For young people, patriotism is not just about a glorious past, but also about a future of striving and pride!
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/hoa-binh-dep-lam-viet-nam-oi-post546631.html
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