Vietnam Celebrates 81st National Day, Reflects on Independence Declaration's Legacy

Joining the nationwide celebrations of the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day on September 2, representatives of Working Groups No. 5, 8 and 9 of the Ministry of Public Security, currently serving on United Nations peacekeeping missions at the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), solemnly held a national flag-raising ceremony. Four decades after the Communist Party of Vietnam launched the Doi Moi (Renewal) process at the sixth National Party Congress in 1986, the country has recorded major achievements of historic significance, bringing profound changes across all fields. From an economy facing numerous difficulties, Vietnam has steadily risen, harnessed its internal strengths, proactively pursued international integration, and continuously enhanced its standing on the global stage. On September 2, Vietnamese diplomatic missions and communities in Singapore and Thailand held ceremonies to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, marking the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Some historical moments remain deeply embedded in a nation’s memory. The Autumn of 1945 is one of them. On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the Provisional Government, read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming to the Vietnamese people and the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. State President Ton Duc Thang, a steadfast communist, exemplary leader and symbol of national unity, was born on August 20, 1888, in Long Xuyen, now part of My Hoa Hung commune, An Giang province. A prominent son of southern Vietnam, he devoted his life to the national struggle and the cause of national unity. After 40 years of reform, Vietnam has undergone a remarkable transformation from an economy facing severe difficulties, food shortages and the impact of an embargo into a dynamic economy increasingly integrated into the global economy. For the first time, a Vietnamese-language public speaking contest for Thai school and university students has been organised by Udon Thani Rajabhat University in cooperation with the Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen to mark the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on August 31 hosted a reception for Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan, who is in Bishkek to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit, during which the two leaders discussed measures to further advance bilateral relations. Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan held bilateral meetings with senior officials and met with the Vietnamese community in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit in the Kyrgyz capital. Phu Dinh commune, part of the Dinh Hoa ATK revolutionary base in Thai Nguyen province, is thriving by tapping its potential in tea production. With modern farming techniques, VietGAP standards and upgraded OCOP tea products, tea is becoming a sustainable livelihood, helping cooperatives and local farmers boost their earnings. Over 81 years, the Hanoi Police have played a key and pioneering role in safeguarding national security and maintaining social order. Proactive and innovative, they have become a steadfast force protecting the country’s political, economic and cultural centre. With its special historical significance during the war, the Pham Van Dong Farm in Lang Tra village, Son Linh commune, Quang Ngai province, is being preserved and promoted as a potential agricultural and community tourism destination. Newly built boarding schools in Da Nang’s western border areas are giving teachers and students a modern learning environment, opening up greater opportunities for children to learn, grow and pursue their dreams. As technology transforms the way young people engage with information, innovative approaches such as virtual reality are bringing Vietnam’s history closer to new generations, helping foster national pride, gratitude and a sense of responsibility for the country’s future. This National Day holiday (September 2), residents and visitors to Hanoi can take a journey back in time through "Patriotic Tour: Touching Memories of a Bygone Era", an immersive experience recreating everyday life in the capital during the 1970s and 1980s. The Central Highland province of Dak Lak is developing the Phu Yen Geopark with a view to seeking UNESCO Global Geopark status. Beyond international recognition, the initiative aims to preserve geological, natural, cultural and historical heritage while promoting sustainable tourism, and improving local livelihoods. For many years, the campaign “Vietnamese people prioritise using Vietnamese goods” has played an important role in promoting domestic consumption and supporting local businesses. Today, alongside traditional trade fairs and distribution channels, digital platforms are creating new opportunities for Vietnamese products to increase their competitiveness. The central province of Quang Tri is entering a new phase of growth, driving up demand for electricity in production and daily life. Renewable energy is helping cut costs while adding clean, locally generated power. Rooftops across Quang Tri are turning the province’s solar and wind potential into a new driver of growth. On the morning of August 30, the second nationwide “Marching Forward with Vietnam” event took place simultaneously in all 34 centrally-run cities and provinces. Authorities in Khanh Hoa province are stepping up searches for the remains of fallen soldiers in remote forests and former revolutionary bases as part of the 500-day Campaign to Accelerate the Search, Repatriation and Identification of Fallen Soldiers’ Remains. Despite rugged terrain, harsh weather and dwindling information from historical witnesses, officers and soldiers continue to follow every clue in their efforts to bring the fallen home to rest alongside their comrades. Ho Chi Minh City is exploring outlet centres not simply as places offering discounted goods, but as part of an integrated retail, service and tourism ecosystem. The model could expand consumer space, attract visitors and boost retail growth. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on August 29 inspected the Hoang Cau–Voi Phuc section of Ring Road No. 1 and the Hoang Quan Chi High School project in Hanoi, urging authorities to ensure timely completion and quality facilities for the new school year. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.