That autumn

There are days that pass and never return, but their light remains forever in the hearts of the nation. August 19, 1945, is one such day. Every autumn, when the sky is clear blue, the sun shines gently, and the wind carries the scent of fresh rice cakes through the streets, memories of that historic autumn flood back, stirring emotions in the hearts of millions of Vietnamese people.

Rally to seize power on August 19, 1945, in Hanoi.

Eighty years have passed since the entire nation rose up to reclaim its sovereignty, yet the heroic echoes of the August Revolution still resound like drums in every aspect of life today. It is not just an event, but an immortal symbol of willpower, the strength of unity, and an unyielding patriotism.

On August 19, 1945, the streets of Hanoi were ablaze with the red of flags. A surging crowd, like a raging torrent, poured from every street corner towards the Grand Theatre Square. The shouts of "Independence! Independence!" echoed like thunder and lightning. It was a day when farmers with muddy hands, laborers with worn-out clothes, intellectuals, students, women, and young people—all united in the heartbeat of the nation. Without needing to be told, everyone understood: This was the decisive moment, the moment for Vietnam to rise up after nearly a century of living in the darkness of slavery.

Nothing is greater than the power of the masses when they are guided by a belief. Under the banner of the Communist Party of Vietnam , under the light of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, the entire nation rose up simultaneously, creating a revolution that was "as swift as lightning, as powerful as a storm." Within 15 days, power was in the hands of the people throughout the country. A historical miracle that few nations have achieved.

From this point, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born – the first workers' and peasants' state in Southeast Asia. For the first time in its thousand-year history, the Vietnamese people could hold their heads high, proudly proclaiming themselves citizens of an independent and free country. The August Revolution ushered in a new era – the era of people's mastery, the era of national independence linked with socialism.

But to achieve that glory, much blood and sacrifice were shed. Countless people sacrificed their youth, their entire lives, to protect every flag, every street, so that the uprising could spread like a great wave. And in that torrent of revolution, the People's Public Security Force was present from the very beginning, silently but steadfastly.

They were the ones who maintained order, ensured the safety of rallies, protected secret communications, sheltered revolutionary cadres, and displayed resourcefulness in confrontations with secret agents and puppet police. After seizing power, they were the first to stand up to protect the fledgling achievements of the revolution, fight against internal and external enemies, and maintain peace for the newly established government. The People's Police became a "steel shield," a solid support that the people trusted, enabling the fledgling government to withstand countless challenges.

For 80 years, generations have continued this tradition. From the days of war and conflict, to the hardships of the subsidy period, and even in today's peacetime, the People's Public Security Force has silently stood at the forefront. These are the soldiers on the border who fight smuggling and crime day and night; the cybersecurity officers who persistently protect digital sovereignty ; and the dedicated police officers in wards and communes who maintain peace in every street and village. They are not only law enforcement forces but also close friends and companions in the daily lives of the people.

If the August Revolution gave us independence, then the People's Public Security Force has been a crucial part in preserving that independence for the past 80 years. The peace we enjoy today – the laughter of children in schoolyards, the bustling streets, the bountiful harvests – all bear the footprints and sweat of these unsung heroes.

Today, as the country enters an era of integration and development, the challenges are no longer the weapons of foreign invaders, but rather the sophisticated infiltration of criminals and non-traditional security threats. However, the spirit of the August Revolution remains intact: With faith, unity, and determination, our nation will overcome all difficulties.

On the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, we not only look to the past to express our gratitude, but also reflect on the present to find our responsibilities. Independence is not something that is achieved once and for all; it must be preserved and nurtured through generations. This responsibility rests not only on the shoulders of the police and military, but also on every citizen – every diligent student, every dedicated worker, every farmer committed to their fields, every honest civil servant… all contribute to preserving the achievements of the revolution.

As August arrives, the red flag with a yellow star flies proudly throughout the streets. Looking at that flag, we see not only the blood and sacrifice of our ancestors, but also the faith and responsibility we have today. And then we remind ourselves: We must live worthy lives, work hard, and contribute in a way that is worthy of that autumn – the autumn that made history.

The August Revolution is not just a milestone in history, but a day in our hearts. A day to remind us that freedom does not come from granting it, but from struggle; peace does not come naturally, but from silent sacrifice. And our responsibility today is to extend that autumn, with faith and effort, so that the country remains strong, and the Fatherland endures forever.

Duc Anh

Source: https://baolongan.vn/mua-thu-nam-ay-a200865.html