Hanoi (VNA) - The moment President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945 at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi lit up a flame of independence, self-reliance, and national unity, which not only inspired the faith and hope of millions at that time, but also continues to burn brightly, guiding every revolutionary victory of the nation thereafter.
This was not only a historic event but also the crystallisation of a long and arduous struggle. It marked a great turning point that transformed the Vietnamese people from a status of slavery into the masters of their own country.
Before the August Revolution, the country was divided, and the people suffered under the dual oppression of the Japanese fascists and French colonialists. Famine was rampant, and the people's lives were devastated. However, thanks to the sound leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary movement united the strength of all classes and social strata to create a miraculous revolution that reclaimed the nation’s independence.
On September 2, 1945, over half a million people from all regions of the country gathered at Ba Dinh Square, waving red flags with golden stars and loudly proclaiming the word "Independence!" This symbolised the spirit of great national unity and became a lesson carried through all historical phases. From this significant date, the nation entered a new era - the era of independence and freedom. For the first time in modern history, the Vietnamese people truly took control of their own destiny, organising a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Just a few days after the Declaration of Independence, China’s Jiang troops moved into the North, the British forces entered the South, and French colonialists desperately tried to find a way to return. In such a precarious situation, the spirit of September 2 helped the people across the country maintain their resolve, stay steadfast, and be ready to face the long and difficult years of resistance. The enduring vitality of this spirit did not end at that historic moment but continues to shine throughout every stage of the nation’s journey. During the resistance wars against French colonialists and US imperialists, it manifested as a resolute determination to fight to the end to protect independence. The process of renewal and international integration was evident in the steadfastness to preserve independence while being adaptable and creative in seizing development opportunities. Today, that spirit is reflected in the nation's will, tapping into the internal resources and pursuing the aspiration for a prosperous and happy Vietnam for all its people.
Immortal values in nation building and safeguarding
Eighty years after President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, Vietnam experienced many ups and downs. Yet, the core values of the Declaration and the spirit of September 2, 1945, remain vibrant, serving as a guiding light for all guidelines and policies of the Party and State in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.
From the nation’s founding, the Declaration affirmed an unchanging principle: independence and freedom are the sacred rights of the Vietnamese people. This principle forms the foundation for the Party’s foreign policy of independence, multilateralisation, and diversification of international relations, simultaneously safeguarding sovereignty and seeking support from the global community. In the context of globalisation, the philosophy of “firm in principle, flexible in execution” has helped Vietnam protect national interests amidst unpredictable fluctuations. This philosophy is also embodied in economic development, combining self-reliance and resilience with deep integration to seize development opportunities.
The determination to “safeguard freedom and independence” in the Declaration of Independence remains a guiding star throughout Vietnam’s national defence strategy. The people’s defence policy, the people’s security posture, and the combination of national strength with the strength of the times all stem from the will to protect the revolutionary achievements of 1945. On this foundation, Vietnam has firmly defended its sovereignty and territorial integrity while pursuing the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, thus reflecting the mettle and wisdom of a peace-loving nation.
The Declaration of Independence has also laid the groundwork for a people-centred democratic regime. It upholds the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, serving as the basis for Vietnam’s Constitution and legal system to affirm the central role of the people in the socio-political life. All socio-economic development policies are directed toward improving the material and spiritual well-being of the people, while ensuring human rights and citizens’ rights in line with international standards.
The enduring value of the Declaration of Independence also lies in the aspiration to rise and stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world. In the era of national renewal, this spirit is reflected in Vietnam’s proactive international economic integration, active participation in regional and global organisations, and contributions to peacekeeping, climate change response, and the promotion of sustainable development. Today’s aspiration for prosperity and happiness is the continuation of the 1945 desire for independence and freedom, forming a vital link between the past, present, and future of the nation.
The Declaration of Independence is the immortal epic of the Vietnamese people - a solemn pledge to the Fatherland, to the people, and to peace-loving friends around the world. The spirit of September 2 will forever remain an inexhaustible source of strength for Vietnam to overcome all challenges and move forward on the path towards building a powerful and prosperous country./.
