The spirit of August 19 and the desire for power and prosperity

August 1945 General Uprising Rally at Hanoi Opera House Square (August 19, 1945) - Photo archive

From Hanoi, the flames of the uprising spread rapidly. In Hue , on the morning of August 23, tens of thousands of people from all over flocked to Ngo Mon, carrying flags, banners, and slogans. Conical hats crowded together in the midday sun of the Central region, their voices resounding along the Huong River, blending with the sound of drums and wooden fish from the long demonstrations. In Saigon, on August 25, a sea of people flooded the main streets, banners and red flags with yellow stars covered the intersections. Many people chanted slogans as they walked, some carried loudspeakers, trumpets, and drums; the masses responded. In just a few days, the government in most localities was in the hands of the people.

The August Revolution ended nearly a century of French colonial rule and five years of Japanese fascist rule. This was not only a political victory, but also the complete liberation of a nation from double slavery. From colonial status, the Vietnamese people entered a new era – the era of independence and mastery of their own destiny.

We still see that spirit of unity, that ardent, steadfast patriotism, when young people light up the stadiums, the stands, the streets with the national flag and sing in unison, with one voice, the same heart, the song Tien Quan Ca.

That victory stemmed from the wisdom of President Ho, our Party and the Viet Minh Front in seizing the once-in-a-millennium opportunity. In August 1945, Japanese fascists surrendered to the Allies, the puppet government apparatus was paralyzed, and the people of the whole country were seething with revolutionary spirit. Seizing that decisive moment, President Ho and the Party Central Committee promptly launched a general uprising to seize power. As Uncle Ho affirmed: "Now the favorable opportunity has come, no matter what sacrifices must be made, even if the entire Truong Son range has to be burned down, we must resolutely gain independence."

The August Revolution was a rare miracle in human history: In just over half a month, a colonial-fascist government that had existed for nearly 100 years was swept away, replaced by a revolutionary government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Moreover, this was a Revolution that was almost bloodless. That miracle did not come from sophisticated weapons or a powerful army, but from the strong belief in justice and the solidarity of the entire nation.

Eighty years on, Vietnam has come a long way – from a poor, devastated, war-torn country to a dynamic economy, closely connected to the world.

August 19th has given our nation three core values: Independence – the right to decide our own future; Freedom – freeing people from oppression to live and pursue happiness; National dignity – the pride that Vietnam can hold its head high in the world, equal to all nations. These values are the great strength that lives with time, preserved and cultivated through each stage of history.

Eighty years have passed, Vietnam has come a long way – from a poor, devastated, post-war country to a dynamic economy, closely connected to the world. However, there are still many challenges ahead: global competition pressure, climate change, the need for technological innovation and governance. In that context, the spirit of August 19 is still a source of strength that urges every Vietnamese to think further, do better and take ultimate responsibility for the country's future.

Today, that spirit needs to be demonstrated through concrete actions: Workers must be more dedicated and creative; businesses must improve their competitiveness and keep their word; cadres and party members must put national interests above all personal calculations. If eighty years ago, our ancestors regained independence, today, our generation must gain a worthy position for Vietnam among the ranks of developed, powerful and civilized nations.

The aspiration for a strong Vietnam does not stop at dreams, but is expressed in the commitment: No one is left behind, no one is left without food, clothing, or shelter; every child can go to school, every citizen has good health care, every scientist has a creative environment, every entrepreneur is free to do business within the framework of the law and the whole society is guaranteed fairness. That is also the image of a country that knows how to preserve its cultural identity, protect the living environment, and at the same time contribute to the peace and prosperity of humanity.

Today, we still see that spirit of unity, that ardent, steadfast patriotism, when young people light up stadiums, grandstands, and streets with the national flag and sing the Marching Song in unison.

On the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, we remember those who have fallen, pay tribute to our predecessors and remind ourselves to keep our oath: to protect independence, preserve freedom, enhance national dignity and take the country further. That is the journey of building and protecting the Fatherland, preserving the achievements that the August Revolution opened up. From the fall of 1945 to today, that journey has never stopped - and from this fall, we continue, firmly entering a new era with the aspiration to build a strong, wealthy, civilized, prosperous Vietnam, where the people are truly well-off and happy.