Echoes of Autumn of Independence

August – the autumn of 1945 – marked some of the most sacred and heroic moments in the nation's history. From Hanoi to Saigon, from the mountains to the plains, the entire country united in revolutionary fervor, the call for freedom resounding like an immortal epic. In that victory, Thai Nguyen made significant contributions, demonstrating the patriotism and indomitable will of its people. Even after 80 years, the spirit of August remains a source of inspiration, a guiding light for today's generations to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, carrying the enthusiasm and wisdom to build an increasingly prosperous nation.

Thai Nguyen - A land of tradition and aspiration

Mr. Dinh Quang An, former Standing Committee member and Head of the Organization Department of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Party Committee.

Born in the early years of national independence, I only heard about the August Revolution through the stories of my father and grandfather and historical witnesses. But the greatest fortune in my life was growing up in Thai Nguyen, a land that was once a revolutionary base, the capital of the resistance, and a place that witnessed many significant events in the nation's history.

Throughout my more than 60 years as a Party member, dedicated to both education and personnel management, what I have always held dear is: All success stems from people. As President Ho Chi Minh once advised, cadres are the foundation of all work.

Looking back at history, each generation of Vietnamese people has carried a sacred mission on their shoulders. The generation that achieved independence in 1945 were extraordinary individuals, willing to sacrifice everything for freedom. The generations who fought against the French and Americans, and defended the borders, continued that spirit, dedicating their youth and intellect to the Fatherland. Millions fell so that the country could have what it has today.

Today, Thai Nguyen has many advantages: transportation, industry, tourism, and forestry are all developing strongly. However, to progress quickly and in the right direction, the core element is timely policy decisions, social governance based on the rule of law and the will of the people, and the development of a competent team of officials. When the people's trust is strengthened, it will be an immeasurable force, continuing the echoes of the autumn of independence of yesteryear.

An epic song that will never fade.

Poet Tran Cau, Thai Nguyen Provincial Association of Literature and Arts.

I can never forget my first school year after independence. That day, my teacher read us President Ho Chi Minh's letter to students on the opening day of the new school year. I was young then and didn't fully understand his words, but I clearly felt their sacredness and emotion. From that moment, I knew our country had entered a new chapter.

My hometown is Hung Yen. Later, when I joined the army, I participated in many campaigns, including the earth-shattering Dien Bien Phu. In 1959, I was discharged from the army and returned to Thai Nguyen to work, where I have remained until today. When I arrived, the entire province only had one small "enterprise" specializing in weaving bamboo mats. Yet now, Thai Nguyen has developed spectacularly, becoming a major industrial and educational center of the country.

Of the 182 poems I've published, 73 are about my two hometowns: Hung Yen – my birthplace, and Thai Nguyen – where I live, work, and built my family's happiness. I've written 56 poems specifically about Thai Nguyen. For me, my homeland is not just where I was born, but also where I'm deeply connected, sharing experiences and witnessing the ups and downs of the country. Therefore, I always consider Thai Nguyen my second home, a land of affection and loyalty.

Now, seeing the younger generation enthusiastically starting businesses and dedicating themselves to the community, I believe the spirit of August continues to flow. Independence today is no longer about taking up arms and going to war, but about upholding sovereignty, developing the country, and bringing glory to the nation through knowledge and creativity.

Each brushstroke is a tribute.

Artist Nguyen Gia Bay.

Every year on National Day, September 2nd, the streets of Thai Nguyen, like the rest of the country, are adorned with flags, banners, and propaganda posters in vibrant and cheerful colors. Thai Nguyen artists, with their sensitivity and civic responsibility, have joined the rest of the country in creating and promoting artworks that celebrate the nation.

For me personally, every time August comes around, a very special feeling arises within me. It's not just pride in a glorious milestone in our nation's history—the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd—but also an endless source of creative inspiration, prompting me to pick up my brush and pen to capture that heroic spirit through color and form. Each artwork is not only an artistic message but also a profound tribute to the generations of ancestors who sacrificed themselves so that our country could have what it has today.

Painting is the bridge connecting people today with the great past of the nation. In each propaganda painting, each billboard, each striking contrast of color is the crystallization of the belief, the aspiration for independence, and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

History feels closer when it touches our emotions.

Dr. Duong Thi Huyen, Faculty of Science - Thai Nguyen University.

As a history researcher and lecturer for 15 years, every time I mention the August Revolution, I feel filled with pride and deep emotion. The August Revolution of 1945 and National Day on September 2nd are two glorious milestones in the flow of our nation's history, symbols of the strength of national unity, the aspiration for independence and freedom, and the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people.

I have always viewed teaching about the August Revolution not just as a professional subject, but as a mission to inspire. That event transformed our country from a colony into an independent nation, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, a turning point of historical significance not only for Vietnam but also for the national liberation movement worldwide.

What always moves me when I lecture about that time is the spirit of national unity. In the midst of hunger and cold, millions of people still rose up at the call of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh to reclaim their right to control their own destiny.

The August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd always serve as a reminder to today's generation of their responsibility to preserve and promote the values ​​that our ancestors sacrificed their blood and tears for. For me, this is the motivation to continue researching, teaching, and instilling a love of history in today's students, who will follow in their footsteps in building and defending the nation.

A bridge connecting memories and aspirations.

Meritorious Artist Mai Thanh, Deputy Director of the Ethnic Arts Troupe of Thai Nguyen Province.

When tasked with building, choreographing, and staging artistic programs commemorating important national holidays in general, and the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd in particular, I always tell myself: I must ensure that the audience not only hears and sees, but also relives the heroic spirit of the nation and of that historic autumn.

In each scene, I chose images that recreate historical moments still deeply etched in the minds of many people in Thai Nguyen, such as: The Vietnam Liberation Army, commanded by Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap, advancing towards Thai Nguyen town on August 19th, reaching Thinh Dan Pagoda. At Dan Pagoda, Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap disseminated the battle plan and assigned tasks to the units.

What preoccupies me is how to make viewers, especially the younger generation, feel that the August Revolution is the culmination of the intellect, courage, and aspiration for freedom of the entire nation. Therefore, in many choral performances, I often create climaxes that coincide with lyrics that move everyone to tears: "August 19th / The star of freedom shines / Flags fly everywhere, countless golden stars..."

For me, these programs are more than just artistic performances. They are semi-epic narratives, combining singing, dancing, music, drama, and commentary, thereby honoring the revolutionary spirit, the identity of the land, and praising the leadership of the Party and our beloved President Ho Chi Minh. Each program is a bridge connecting memory and aspiration, so that the spirit of the Autumn of Independence continues to spread in life today.

Inspiring passion in every lesson.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha, History teacher, Hoang Quoc Viet High School, Trang Xa commune.

Few nations in the world have endured as many struggles against foreign invaders as the Vietnamese people. To achieve "independence and freedom," our ancestors fought valiantly, sacrificing their lives and youth, shedding their blood under the national flag. "The Vietnamese army marches together, united in heart to save the nation / The Vietnamese army marches on, the golden star fluttering" - the Vietnamese national anthem resonates with such sacredness and pride.

Under the leadership of the Party and beloved Uncle Ho, our people rose up in unison to fight. In a short time, the August Revolution of 1945 succeeded throughout the country. At the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

Eighty years have passed, and today's generation needs to feel the spirit of the August Revolution to spread patriotism and national pride to future generations. As a history teacher, I always strive to instill the flame of patriotism in my students, showing them that every Vietnamese citizen is a part of our beloved homeland.

I combine information from books with electronic platforms, practical experiences through commemorative activities, revolutionary songs, and actively research historical and cultural relics associated with the August Revolution in Thai Nguyen, so that the children can deeply understand the value of independence and freedom and continue writing the story of peace for the nation.

Steps in rhythm with the heart

Luu Van Bich, Platoon 1, Company 1, Parade Battalion.

I feel extremely proud to be selected to participate in the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd. This is a momentous event for the country, an opportunity for every Vietnamese citizen to reflect on its glorious history and honor the sacred values ​​of independence and freedom.

For me, marching across Ba Dinh Square on this important national holiday is a great honor, a moment I will never forget in my life. Prior to that, starting on June 6th, 2025, we had already begun rigorous training.

We started practicing at 6 a.m. and worked tirelessly to ensure the formation was even, beautiful, and every movement precise. In the morning, we practiced standing at attention and aligning each row; in the afternoon, we trained in marching in perfect unison. Amidst the sweltering summer heat, our shirts were soaked with sweat, our limbs ached, but everyone was determined to complete their task successfully.

There were times when I felt tired, but I reminded myself that this was the responsibility and honor of a militia soldier. Every step I took not only demonstrated discipline and collective strength, but also affirmed that the militia force is always ready to contribute to protecting the Fatherland and building the homeland.

The younger generation continues the tradition.

Student To Minh Hieu, Literature class K57B, Faculty of Literature, Thai Nguyen University of Education.

For today's young generation, especially teacher training students, the August Revolution is not only a glorious chapter in history to be proud of, but also a profound reminder of the responsibility to continue its legacy. That spirit instills in us faith in ideals, a sense of self-reliance, and a desire to contribute our intellect and youthful energy to the country. As a student of the Faculty of Literature, I recognize my responsibility to study professional knowledge and sow the seeds of thought, love for the Vietnamese language and national culture in future generations of students.

As a young Party member, I am even more aware of my duty to live a worthy life, steadfastly upholding the ideals, and spreading the spirit of the August Revolution in every action. We were born in a time of peace, but every time we reread the pages of history, we are still deeply moved. The victory of Autumn 1945 proves the strength of patriotism, the great national unity, and the undying aspiration for freedom.

The spirit of August belongs not only to the past but also serves as a guiding light for today, inspiring the younger generation to use their knowledge and enthusiasm to build a prosperous and civilized homeland.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-polit/202509/tieng-vong-mua-thu-doc-lap-20e6036/