The Declaration of Independence is not only an invaluable historic document embodying the victory of Vietnamese people’s struggle for national liberation, affirming to the world Viet Nam’s right to exist as an independent and free nation, and reflecting the vision, intellect and ideology of Ho Chi Minh, it also symbolises the spirit and wisdom of the Ho Chi Minh era, the era of a small nation that conducted an earth-shaking revolution, helping to change the political landscape of the region and the world.
Eight decades on, the immortal Declaration of Independence still resounds like an unyielding pledge of the Vietnamese people to the rights to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Ho Chi Minh era forged a mighty spiritual strength that guided the entire nation from victory to victory. To safeguard freedom and independence, the Vietnamese Party, people, and armed forces fought protracted resistance wars for 30 years, securing the resounding victory of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, which shook the globe, and the Great Spring Victory of 1975, which reunified the country, before continuing to defend the borders.
Over nearly 40 years of comprehensive renewal, inspired by the spirit of the August Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, combining national strength with the strength of the times, the country has achieved great and historic accomplishments.
Independence and sovereignty have been firmly maintained; political and social stability has been ensured; the economy has steadily developed; national defence and security have been solidly safeguarded; Party-building and the political system have been strengthened with many innovations; and diplomacy has become increasingly proactive and effective.
Viet Nam continues to contribute actively and with many initiatives to the building of global peace. The nation’s overall strength has increased remarkably. Viet Nam has never enjoyed such fortune, strength, international standing and prestige as it does today, creating new momentum for further advancement with bright prospects.
From the day the Declaration of Independence resounded at Ba Dinh, through glorious victories in resistance wars and nation-building, Vietnamese people have composed a shining epic in the Ho Chi Minh era. It is the epic of a resilient, indomitable people who overcame every challenge to attain independence, freedom and happiness — born of the immortal oath of September 2, 1945, and realised with blood, intellect and steadfast belief in the chosen path. That spirit continues to illuminate the course of renewal, integration and development, as Viet Nam today confidently affirms its place as an independent and self-reliant nation of growing international stature.
The entire Party, people, and armed forces are striving to gain tangible achievements in celebration of the 14th National Party Congress. This congress carries a momentous historic responsibility to the motherland, compatriots, and nation, and marks a new milestone for the country to rise and take off.
The congress is tasked with reviewing the implementation of the 13th Party Congress Resolution, assessing results and affirming the achievements of the 13th tenure and nearly 40 years of renewal, 35 years of implementing the 1991 Platform on National Construction during the Transitional Period to Socialism, and five years of implementing the 13th Party Congress Resolution, thereby drawing lessons, setting out orientations and tasks for socio-economic development for 2026-2030 as well as defining goals, directions, and a vision for national development to 2045, along with many other important matters.
The celebration of the 80th National Day is both an occasion to reflect on the path already travelled and a spiritual foundation for pressing forward vigorously towards new historic milestones. It is also vivid testimony to the enduring vitality of the Declaration of Independence: from the aspiration for independence and freedom in 1945 to the aspiration for strength and prosperity in the 21st century.
To take the country further on the path of development, General Secretary To Lam has made clear: “The great question now is whether we have sufficient strength, resources, willpower, and determination to enter a new era — an era of a prosperous and powerful nation. The answer is: Yes, we do.”
The new era has dawned! It is the era of a wealthy people, a strong, democratic, just and civilised country, expressing the burning aspiration of the Vietnamese nation!
That new era demands the entire Party, people and armed forces unite as one, bringing forth Vietnamese intellect and resilience, determined to realise the aspiration of building a strong, prosperous and happy country.
With the spirit of the August Revolution and National Day, and with firm political determination and resolute action, we are confident that this aspiration will be fulfilled, enabling Viet Nam to stride forward shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the five continents.
