INDEPENDENCE DAY – THE FESTIVAL OF NATIONAL PRIDE AND RESPECT

At the age of twelve, I watched documentaries about the resistance, read revolutionary poems, and listened to revolutionary songs on my grandfather’s old radio – a third-class disabled veteran. And I also shed tears many times when listening to my grandfather tell about the sacrifice of my grandmother – a female guerrilla who fought and died on the battlefield in the West of Quang Ngai during the resistance war against the US to save the country, or heroic generations like the boy Luom in To Huu’s poem, who at a young age became an excellent detective liaison officer, or Ms. Vo Thi Sau through the lyrics of the song “Grateful to Ms. Vo Thi Sau”… Generations of young people came to the revolution, lived strongly, fought heroically, determined not to surrender to the enemy, and then fell heroically, using their blood and bones to build the indomitable flag for the Fatherland today and tomorrow.

80 years have passed since that historic autumn morning, September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the "Declaration of Independence" giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first people's democratic state in Southeast Asia because Uncle Ho wanted to convey a message to the Vietnamese people and the world that: National rights are not only the right to self-determination, but also the right to equality, freedom, unity and territorial integrity. National independence is closely linked to the principles of national equality and self-determination, to the right to life and the right to happiness of each nation. The national independence of the Vietnamese people has gone through so much bloodshed with hundreds of struggles, as long as the Ba Dinh uprising in the past.

Here, President Ho Chi Minh said: “ My fellow countrymen. All men are born equal, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; among these rights are the right to life, the right to liberty, and the right to the pursuit of happiness .” (Excerpt from the “Declaration of Independence” by President Ho Chi Minh)
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The moment President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence before millions of people nationwide. Photo courtesy of VNA.

My generation - people born in peacetime, never having to hear the sound of guns and bombs, the roar of planes in the sky, the sound of cannons tearing through the peaceful space, think back to the old Autumn.

More than half a century of slavery under the domination of French colonialism, it seemed that all struggles were drowned in a sea of blood, but then our people went through so many sacrifices to be able to create that brilliant autumn morning with the red flag and yellow star.

National independence is the most precious thing that a small country like Vietnam, always being watched by the superpowers, understands more than ever. " We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our country, never become slaves" , the quote from "The call for national resistance" by President Ho Chi Minh still resonates deep in the heart of every child who loves the fatherland, who does not regret their youth, does not regret their blood and bones to join the army. Because they understand "Life begins with death", and:

"When the country needs, we know how to sacrifice.

Hold the bridge

Hold on to the betel trellis

Keep your hair green…”

(Lemon Flower – Nguyen Bao)

"The father class first, the son class later"

"We have become comrades in arms."

(Spring Song – To Huu)

Autumn still returns as scheduled and “the country has been quiet from bombs and guns” for quite a while. Everywhere on the streets, flags and flowers are blooming, it feels like we are living in the sacred moment of 80 years ago. On National Day, everyone, from the elderly, the old ladies, those who have experienced the hardships of war, to the post-war generation, who love the country, all feel moved. My small joy, your small joy, and countless other joys contribute to make up the great joy of the country.

Blood and bones were shed to obtain that simple happiness, do you appreciate it? As for me: “The country is my blood and bones”. Celebrating the national day, like everyone else, I also hang the flag with all the pride of my people, my country, small, but resilient and brave.

I see:

“Autumn is still gentle and soft

Peacefully return and quietly green high"

(Ho Bat Khuat)

Vietnam's National Day marks an important milestone not only for every Vietnamese person but also a miracle for countries around the world. It is the birth of an independent Vietnam, the pride of every Vietnamese person, the belief in the Communist Party of Vietnam and the belief in certain victory.

For 80 years, in the journey of building, fighting and defending the socialist Fatherland of Vietnam, the meaning of Independence Day still lives forever.

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the atmosphere of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army eagerly competing to welcome the 14th National Party Congress is an opportunity for us to further deepen the great historical significance of the autumn days of 1945 - when our people rose up to regain their human rights and become masters of the country. It is also a reminder of today's responsibility: to continue the indomitable spirit and aspiration for independence - freedom - happiness of our ancestors, to foster the Vietnamese spirit and intelligence, to innovate strongly and constantly create, and to be determined to realize the aspiration to build a Vietnam that is comprehensively and sustainably developed in the new era - the era of national growth.

Ho Chi Minh City, August 11, 2025

Vo Cu

Department of Communications, Education and International Relations

References:

Kieu Mai Son (2021) Uncle Ho wrote the Declaration of Independence , Kim Dong Publishing House
Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission: Outline of propaganda to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025)

Source: https://baotangphunu.com/tet-doc-lap-tet-cua-niem-tu-hao-tu-ton-dan-toc/