Eighty years have passed since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. It has been a long journey of sacrifice and hardship, but also one of great heroism for the nation.
Over the past eight decades, Viet Nam has grown stronger, integrated and affirmed its position on the international stage. The overseas Vietnamese community in general, and in Laos in particular, has become an important part of that development.
At the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, in a solemn atmosphere, officials, staff and their families attended the flag-raising ceremony and sang the national anthem in unison.
Officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos raised high the red flag with a yellow star, facing the homeland. (Photo: Xuan Tu/VNA Correspondent in Laos)
Under the guidance of Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam and his spouse, embassy staff and a large number of overseas Vietnamese, pupils, and students studying in Laos joined in a meaningful activity to form the number “80” at Patouxay Square — a symbol of the capital city of Vientiane — to celebrate Viet Nam’s 80th National Day.
Amid the radiant red of Ao dai and the flying red flag with a yellow star, the moment became sacred, reflecting unity and national pride. After the formation, the community took commemorative photos, sending a message of love for the homeland and the enduring bond between overseas Vietnamese and their motherland.
In an emotional tone, Hoang Thi Hoa shared that she felt very happy and was touched to participate in such a meaningful activity. Although living in Laos, she still felt as if she were standing on the soil of her homeland, immersed in the prideful atmosphere of Independence Day. For her, it was not only joy but also profound happiness and pride, deeply imprinted in her heart and impossible to fade.
Sharing the same sentiment, Vo Thi Kim Ngan, a 7th grader at the Lao–Viet Nam Nguyen Du Bilingual School, expressed her honour and pride in being a Vietnamese living in Laos. Ngan said that not only herself but also her classmates, as well as the wider Vietnamese community in Laos, always looked towards the homeland whenever the country marked significant anniversaries.
Among the participants, Nguyen Thi Tam Nam could not hide her emotions. She said that, as someone living far from home, joining the Vietnamese community in Vientiane for the 80th National Day celebrations filled her with indescribable pride. She also expressed her deep gratitude to the generations of forefathers who sacrificed their blood and devoted their lives to safeguarding the independence and freedom of the homeland.
Dinh Ngoc Loan, a Vietnamese worker in Vientiane, also shared her feelings. She said that due to the nature of her work she had to live far from home, but being able to join the Vietnamese community in Laos to express affection and love for the homeland made her feel elated. Although unable to directly participate in commemorative activities in Viet Nam, the sacred and warm atmosphere there still made her feel as though she were present on her homeland’s soil.
The activities marking the 80th National Day of Viet Nam in Laos were not only an opportunity for the community to gather and honour previous generations, but also a chance to strengthen bonds, awaken national pride and further tighten the great friendship between Viet Nam and Laos.
The 80th National Day anniversary is not only a significant political event, but also an occasion for every Vietnamese, whether at home or abroad, to look back on the nation’s heroic history while sending hopes and aspirations for a bright future of the country.
