Eighty years ago, on 23 September 1945, just 21 days after President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence that founded the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, French colonialists fired the first shots in Saigon, determined to re-invade our country. The people of Southern Viet Nam, having barely begun to enjoy peace, independence, and freedom, had to immediately take up arms to defend the newly won independence.
Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the people of Southern Viet Nam united with firm determination, collectively rising to continue fighting, opening a heroic new chapter in history: Southern Viet Nam’s resistance.
Armed with rudimentary weapons, mainly sharpened bamboo spears, pikes, and clubs, but with a resolute and indomitable fighting spirit, the soldiers and people of Southern Viet Nam pinned down the French troops in cities and towns, halting the invasion’s first advance and delivering a powerful blow to the enemy’s plan of a swift victory. This contributed to maintaining the people’s government and national sovereignty.
The united strength of the entire population turned Southern Viet Nam into an impregnable fortress, dispersing enemy forces and confining the French troops in the south for 15 months — a precious period in which the whole country prepared the conditions, forces, and material bases for the protracted war to come.
The vows of “Independence or death” and “We would rather sacrifice everything than lose the country or become slaves” echoed through the streets of Saigon and across the provinces in Southern region.
The resounding battles at Thi Nghe, Phu Lam, Cau Bong, and others remain forever inscribed in the sacred memory of Southerners as a beautiful symbol of patriotism, a spirit overcoming all difficulties, continuing the tradition of protecting the homeland passed down by our ancestors.
The firm spirit of Southern resistance war spread, encouraging and inspiring comrades and people nationwide, steering the Vietnamese revolution to a complete victory in the spring of 1975, uniting the country as one.
President Ho Chi Minh repeatedly sent letters of praise and bestowed upon the people of Southern Viet Nam the glorious title “The Fortress of the Fatherland.”
He affirmed in his call to the people of Southern Viet Nam to resist: From the south to the north, our people are always ready. Millions act as one, determined to smash the invaders. No army or air force can defeat the sacrifice and spirit of an entire nation.
The firm spirit of Southern resistance war spread, encouraging and inspiring comrades and people nationwide, steering the Vietnamese revolution to a complete victory in the spring of 1975, uniting the country as one.
The heroic and unyielding melodies on those days still resonate over the homeland’s sky and sea today, urging every citizen to contribute their utmost to the cause of construction and development, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world, as President Ho Chi Minh once wished.
Over the past 80 years, the heroic spirit of Southern resistance war has continuously been nurtured and shone through generations, becoming a great spiritual source in the struggle for national independence, reunification, and the building and defence of the Fatherland. The Southern resistance war entered the country’s heroic history, leaving us invaluable lessons, especially in promoting the revolutionary momentum of August, patriotism, and the great national solidarity bloc.
The spirit of the Southern resistance war remains a precious legacy that shapes the shining values of Viet Nam in the current new era of national development. This new era brings many opportunities but also numerous challenges, yet the tradition of unity, indomitable will, and firm resilience will always be a foundation and a great driving force for the whole Party, people, and army to achieve new miracles in economic, cultural, and social development, with the determination to build a strong, prosperous, and happy Viet Nam.
