The spirit of the August Revolution - a priceless heritage of the history of the Vietnamese nation
The August Revolution of 1945 was a great and historic event in the development process of the Vietnamese nation. The victory of the Revolution not only ended the centuries-long domination of colonialism, feudalism and fascism, but also opened a new era: the era of national independence associated with socialism. The August Revolution left an invaluable legacy of revolutionary spirit imbued with patriotism, aspiration for freedom, indomitable will and belief in the strength of the entire nation. In the current process of national construction and development, promoting the spirit of the August Revolution in patriotic emulation movements is an urgent requirement, aiming to arouse and multiply the nation's endogenous strength, meeting the requirements of rapid and sustainable development in the context of deep international integration.
The August Revolution of 1945 is one of the brilliant milestones in the history of the Vietnamese nation, marking the victory of the general uprising led by the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, overthrowing the colonial and feudal domination, regaining national independence, and giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Exactly 80 years have passed, but the spirit of the August Revolution remains forever the driving force that forges the mettle, spirit and endogenous strength of the Vietnamese nation.
The spirit of the August Revolution is expressed in the indomitable will, the desire for freedom, independence and the determination to liberate themselves from all chains of slavery of the entire Vietnamese people. Under the leadership of the Party, with the correct guidelines, the art of leadership and creative revolutionary methods, our people have united into a bloc, promoting the strength of the entire nation to achieve great victories. That is the symbol of the strength of great national unity, of the spirit of initiative, creativity, and knowing how to take advantage of historical opportunities to act decisively and accurately.
Not only is it of historical value, the spirit of the August Revolution is also a source of inspiration and a compass for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland in the new era. In the context of the country's deep integration and facing many intertwined challenges, the spirit of revolutionary offensive needs to continue to be inherited and promoted, especially in building the will to be self-reliant, strengthening confidence in the Party's leadership, promoting patriotism, civic responsibility and the aspiration to rise up for a strong, prosperous and happy Vietnam.
Advanced models at the 9th Emulation Congress "For National Security"_Photo: VNA
Patriotic emulation movement - the embodiment of the spirit of the August Revolution in the new era
In the history of the Vietnamese revolution, patriotic emulation is not only a highly organized method of action, but also a vivid embodiment of the revolutionary spirit, arousing and multiplying noble values such as patriotism, solidarity, the will to overcome difficulties, the aspiration to rise up for national independence and the happiness of the people. President Ho Chi Minh , the founder and leader of the patriotic emulation movement, affirmed: "Emulation is patriotism, patriotism requires emulation, and those who emulate are the most patriotic" (1) . President Ho Chi Minh's affirmation not only deeply reflects the nature of emulation in history, but also has great contemporary significance when the country is facing great opportunities, fortunes and challenges of the cause of innovation, rapid development and increasingly deep international integration.
The patriotic emulation movement is a form of organizing the masses to act revolutionary under the leadership of the Party, aiming to successfully carry out political , economic, cultural - social, national defense - security and foreign affairs tasks in each specific historical period. During the resistance period, emulation was "when the enemy comes, fight, when the enemy retreats, produce", "one hand plowing, one hand shooting", "three ready", "five volunteering",... During the period of building socialism, emulation was "good labor, good production", "equivalent to victory", "contributing rice to feed the army", "good people, good deeds", "good teaching, good learning",... Those movements have become the glue that binds the community, most honestly and convincingly expressing the spirit of patriotism, urging all classes of people to unite and strive for the common cause of the Vietnamese nation.
Entering the period of innovation and integration, the patriotic emulation movement continues to be widely spread and launched throughout society with many rich and practical contents and forms. Emulation movements such as: "The whole country joins hands to build new rural areas", "The whole country joins hands for the poor - No one is left behind", "Vietnamese enterprises integrate and develop", "Cadres, civil servants and public employees compete to implement office culture", or national target programs on sustainable poverty reduction, national digital transformation, "digital literacy", green economic development, etc. These are evidences of the inheritance and development of the spirit of patriotic emulation in the new situation. These movements not only encourage individuals and collectives to contribute and be creative, but also create a favorable environment and conditions to promote endogenous resources, enhancing people's trust in the leadership of the Party.
In the current context, patriotic emulation continues to be an effective channel to promote the revolutionary spirit, when it gathers the strength of the entire people, promotes innovation in thinking and practical actions, and contributes to realizing the strategic goals of national development. Speaking at the 10th National Patriotic Emulation Congress in 2020, the late General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed: "Emulation and reward work is of special importance, contributing to creating a driving force to promote revolutionary activities... all achievements of our country's revolution are associated with the effective organization of patriotic emulation movements" (2) . The revolutionary spirit is conveyed and spread through emulation movements that are substantive, not formal, closely linked to political tasks and socio-economic development needs, closely linked to the rights and interests of the people, contributing to important achievements in socio-economic development, building and defending the Fatherland.
The vivid manifestation of the spirit of the August Revolution is realized in the current patriotic emulation in the following contents:
One is the sense of responsibility, dare to think, dare to do, dare to take responsibility.
One of the clear manifestations of the August Revolution spirit is the proactive grasp of historical opportunities, daring to overcome all barriers to realize the ideal of independence and freedom. With the current patriotic emulation movement, that spirit is demonstrated in the fact that cadres and party members, especially leaders at all levels and sectors, do not avoid or seek security, but are willing to innovate their thinking and act decisively for the common good. They must have “outstanding capacity, dare to think, dare to speak, dare to do, dare to take responsibility, dare to innovate, be creative, dare to face difficulties and challenges, dare to act for the common good, have high prestige and be truly pioneers, exemplary, and be the nucleus of solidarity” (3) . Because those who “dare to think, dare to do, dare to break through for the right and the new” are the embodiment of the revolutionary spirit in the practice of patriotic emulation in the new period.
Second, the desire to rise up and overcome all difficulties and challenges.
The August Revolution succeeded because the Party had the right guidelines and because the people demonstrated an indomitable spirit, not yielding to any oppression or injustice. Because "it is the duty of the Vietnamese people, regardless of whether they are scholars, farmers, workers, merchants, or soldiers; whatever they do, they must compete with each other: Do it quickly, Do it well, Do it a lot" (4) . That spirit is now aroused in emulation movements to overcome difficulties, be creative, innovate technology, improve labor processes, especially in conditions where the country is affected by the pandemic, climate change, natural disasters, and challenges of integration. Many individuals and groups not only complete their tasks but also seek out new things, expand models, and contribute beyond requirements, and that is the embodiment of "revolutionary will" in peacetime conditions.
Third, pioneering spirit, setting an example and taking practical action.
Ho Chi Minh's thought always emphasizes the pioneering and exemplary role of cadres and party members in emulation. He pointed out: "To guide the people, we must set an example for others to follow" (5) ; "Party members go first, the country follows" (6) . The spirit of the August Revolution is the spirit of dedication of those who are at the forefront and pioneers in movements; this in the current context is clearly demonstrated through the fact that leaders and managers at all levels are truly exemplary, "say what they do", emulate with concrete and effective actions, without formalities or ostentation, without chasing after achievements or quantity.
Fourth, the ability to mobilize and promote the strength of national solidarity.
The success of the August Revolution is the result of the convergence of the strength of the entire nation, from workers, farmers, intellectuals to small traders, youth, women, ethnic minorities, and people of all religions. In the current patriotic emulation, the manifestation of the spirit of great solidarity is the launching of movements of a national nature, aiming at the interests of the community, encouraging the proactive participation of people, businesses and social organizations. A typical example is the movement "The whole country unites, joins hands, and unanimously competes to prevent, fight and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic" is a call for the entire nation to be one, united with the Party, the State, all levels and sectors determined to prevent, repel and defeat the epidemic. This is truly a beautiful symbol of patriotism, of the strength of the great national solidarity bloc, of the tradition and heroic spirit of Vietnam. That has affirmed that competition needs to arouse the spirit of action together, regardless of social position, regardless of economic sector, as long as we all aim towards the goal of national development.
Affirming and continuing to promote the role, significance and strength of the great national unity bloc, in the article “ The strength of unity ”, General Secretary To Lam stated: “Unity has been, is and will always be the invincible strength of the Vietnamese revolution. In the current challenging period of restructuring the apparatus, that spirit must be thoroughly understood and highly promoted. History has assigned us the extremely important task of creating a streamlined, effective and efficient apparatus to meet the requirements of rapid and sustainable development of the country in the period of innovation. To complete that task, there is no “weapon” more powerful and effective than the unanimity of the entire political system and the support of the entire people. As President Ho Chi Minh summarized: “Unity, unity, great unity - Success, success, great success!” (7) .
Fifth, the spirit of action is associated with the aspiration to develop a prosperous and happy country.
The spirit of the August Revolution does not end in the past, but is always alive in the aspiration to build a “more dignified and beautiful” country as President Ho Chi Minh instructed during his lifetime. In the current context, patriotic emulation needs to aim at strategic goals such as national digital transformation, building a green economy, developing education, innovating science and technology, improving the quality of human resources, and improving the living environment. In particular, focusing on “Promoting strategic technology, digital transformation, green transformation, taking science and technology, innovation as the main driving force for development” (8) . Therefore, emulation is not simply about completing assigned tasks well, but must always aim at the value of sustainable development and people's happiness.
Promoting the spirit of August Revolution in the current patriotic emulation movement
The spirit of the August Revolution in 1945 is a beautiful symbol of the ardent patriotism, the will for independence, self-reliance and the aspiration to rise up of the entire Vietnamese people. It is the crystallization of intelligence, political mettle and the strength of great national unity under the leadership of the Party. In the new era, when Vietnam is accelerating the cause of industrialization, modernization, building a socialist-oriented market economy and deeply integrating into the world, promoting the revolutionary spirit in patriotic emulation movements is of great significance. This is not only a spiritual and traditional moral need, but also an objective requirement to arouse the nation's internal strength and mobilize resources for sustainable national development.
Delegates attending the Patriotic Emulation Congress of the Finance Sector (2025 - 2030)_Photo: VNA
Firstly, raise awareness among cadres, party members and people about the spirit of the August Revolution and the role of patriotic emulation in the new period.
The spirit of the August Revolution is a symbol of patriotism, the will for independence, the spirit of solidarity and the aspiration to rise up, which still retains its value and contemporary significance. Awakening and reviving that spirit in the current context not only has the meaning of educating about tradition but also creates a strong driving force for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland in the new period.
To raise awareness among cadres, party members and people, it is necessary to promote propaganda and education on revolutionary history, Ho Chi Minh's ideology and the tradition of patriotic emulation among all classes of people, especially the young generation. Forms of propaganda need to be flexible and modern, combining traditional media and digital platforms. At the same time, it is necessary to actively integrate content on the value of the August Revolution and the role of patriotic emulation into training and fostering programs for cadres, general education and universities. Thereby, gradually building correct, comprehensive and unified awareness throughout society, creating a solid foundation for the widespread and sustainable spread of the patriotic emulation movement associated with the revolutionary spirit in the new period.
Second, innovate the content, form and method of organizing emulation movements in a practical, effective and sustainable direction.
In the context of the country's strong transformation towards modernization, digital transformation and increasingly deep international integration, organizing patriotic emulation movements in a traditional, formal and stereotyped way will hardly meet practical requirements. Therefore, one of the breakthrough solutions is to comprehensively innovate the content, form and method of organizing emulation movements, ensuring practicality, efficiency and sustainability.
In terms of content , the emulation movement needs to closely follow the strategic development goals of the country and each sector and locality; associated with specific action programs such as digital transformation, building digital government, "digital literacy", developing circular economy, innovation, administrative reform, environmental protection and sustainable development. The emulation content needs to be specific, clear, with measurable indicators and implementation deadlines.
Regarding the form of organization , it is necessary to diversify the emulation model in a flexible and creative way, suitable to the actual conditions of each locality, agency and unit. Traditional forms need to be combined with digital technology applications such as emulation management through software, monitoring results with real-time data, organizing emulation communication on social media platforms, thereby increasing the spread and community of the emulation movement.
Regarding implementation methods , it is necessary to strengthen decentralization and delegation of authority in emulation management, encourage initiative and creativity at the grassroots level. At the same time, ensure publicity and transparency, avoid formalities and chasing achievements. In particular, it is necessary to focus on discovering and replicating good models and good practices to create sustainable emulation motivation and spread throughout society.
Third, linking emulation with the country's strategic development goals.
Patriotic emulation cannot be separated from the strategic development goals identified by the Party and the State. Therefore, it is necessary to organize emulation movements associated with the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs (improving institutions, developing infrastructure and high-quality human resources), national target programs (sustainable poverty reduction, building new rural areas, developing ethnic minority and mountainous areas), as well as new development requirements such as digital transformation, innovation, green economic development, circular economy, etc.
It is necessary to create conditions for emulation movements to become channels to mobilize the intelligence and resources of the entire people for strategic tasks. For example, in the field of education, emulation needs to be associated with improving the quality of training, digital transformation of schools, and building a creative and humane learning environment. In the field of health, emulation needs to encourage initiatives to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment, improve administrative procedures, apply new technologies, and serve patients wholeheartedly and professionally. In the economy, emulation needs to promote production initiatives, increase labor productivity, improve product quality and international competitiveness. Research and launch the emulation movement "The whole country competes in innovation, digital transformation, contributing to bringing the country into an era of wealth and prosperity" ( 9) .
Fourth, strengthen the leadership role of the Party, state management and coordination at all levels and sectors in organizing emulation movements.
Patriotic emulation is a form of revolutionary action initiated and led by our Party, aiming to mobilize the strength of the entire people to successfully carry out political, economic, cultural - social and national defense - security tasks in each historical period. Practice shows that wherever there is close and comprehensive leadership of the Party organization, effective management of the government and synchronous coordination between sectors, levels and socio-political organizations, the emulation movement there will have a strong spread, creating practical and sustainable results.
To promote the spirit of the August Revolution in the current patriotic emulation movement, it is necessary to continue to affirm and strengthen the leadership role of Party committees at all levels in emulation and reward work, because "the more difficult it is, the more we must emulate". Party committees at all levels need to include the leadership of the emulation movement in resolutions and action programs, considering it one of the key and regular tasks. At the same time, state agencies need to improve their capacity to manage and operate the emulation movement in a professional, scientific and practical direction, avoiding formalities and ostentation.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen coordination between central and local departments, ministries, branches, and socio-political organizations, etc. in organizing and implementing emulation movements. Coordination needs to be institutionalized through specific mechanisms, creating unity in goals, content, and methods of emulation implementation, ensuring that the movement has depth and systematicity, promoting the combined strength of the entire political system in mobilizing people to participate in emulation to build and defend the Fatherland.
Fifth, set an example and replicate advanced models in patriotic emulation.
In patriotic emulation movements, the discovery, praise, setting examples and spreading advanced models play an important role. This is not only a recognition and honor for typical contributions, but also a practical solution to arouse the spirit of dedication and encourage positive actions in the whole society. According to Ho Chi Minh's thought, "a living example is worth more than a hundred propaganda speeches" (10) , therefore, setting examples is the most effective method of education and promoting emulation.
In the current context, when the country is strongly transforming in the process of innovation and international integration, advanced models are not only associated with high labor productivity, but also demonstrated in innovative thinking, creative actions, daring to think, daring to do, humane behavior, spirit of serving the community and responsibility to society. Therefore, the work of discovering, fostering, honoring and replicating advanced models needs to be carried out systematically, scientifically and consistently throughout the entire political system.
First of all, it is necessary to build a clear, transparent criteria system, suitable for each field and each locality, ensuring true assessment, not chasing after achievements. All levels and sectors need to proactively review and promptly select individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in practical work, production, study, scientific research, national defense, and building cultural life. Along with that, there should be preferential policies, support, and encouragement for typical examples to continue to develop, replicate models, and share experiences to create a strong influence in the community.
In particular, leaders of Party committees, authorities, agencies and units must be pioneers in emulation movements, exemplary in ethics, lifestyle and sense of responsibility. Propagating and replicating advanced models, typical examples, examples of "Good people, good deeds". The exemplary role of the leadership team will be an important driving force to form a positive, healthy and substantive emulation environment, contributing to creating a widespread, effective and sustainable patriotic emulation movement in the whole society.
Sixth, perfect the mechanism and policy of timely, public and transparent rewards.
Rewards are an important part of patriotic emulation, acting as a spiritual motivation, a form of recognition, praise, and dissemination of positive contributions of groups and individuals in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Therefore, perfecting the reward mechanism and policies in a timely, public, and transparent manner is an urgent requirement to ensure the effectiveness, fairness, and real dissemination of the patriotic emulation movement.
It is necessary to review, amend and supplement the system of legal documents and policies on emulation and rewards to suit the requirements of the new period. The system of criteria and standards for awarding emulation titles and forms of rewards must be specific, clear, quantifying results and ensuring suitability for each field, locality and profession. The classification of rewards must be carried out scientifically, clearly distinguishing between process rewards and rewards for outstanding achievements, between individual rewards and collective rewards, between central and local levels.
It is necessary to promote the application of information technology in the management, review and announcement of rewards, in order to ensure publicity, transparency, easy search, convenient inspection, supervision and social criticism. At the same time, the reward work needs to be carried out promptly, at the right time, to the right person, to the right job, with real encouragement value, avoiding delays or bias that cause public outrage.
There should be strict sanctions against fraudulent acts in award consideration, and cases of incorrect proposals, lack of objectivity or chasing after achievements should be strictly handled. Only when the award mechanism is perfected and strictly implemented can it truly become a strong driving force to promote patriotic emulation movements to develop widely and sustainably.
The spirit of the August Revolution with its aspiration for independence, self-reliance, dedication and creativity is the invaluable spiritual heritage of the Vietnamese people. In the new era, that spirit needs to be further aroused, transformed into motivation and concrete actions through patriotic emulation movements. That is the path for every Vietnamese citizen to promote their intelligence, contribute their capacity, and contribute to the country's rapid and sustainable development, realizing the goal of "a rich people, a strong country, democracy, equality and civilization; building an innovative and creative society, comprehensively developing the country and effectively integrating internationally in the new era - the era of national development./.
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(1) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi, 2011, vol. 7, p. 407
(2) Nguyen Phu Trong: "Emulation and reward work needs to be accurate, timely, public, have an educational effect, set an example, and avoid formality", Electronic Communist Magazine , December 10, 2020, https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/tin-tieu-diem/-/asset_publisher/s5L7xhQiJeKe/content/tao-dong-luc-moi-day-manh-cong-cuoc-xay-dung-va-bao-ve-dat-nuoc
(3) Documents of the 13th National Congress of Delegates , National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi, 2021, vol. I, p. 187
(4) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit. , vol. 5, pp. 556 - 558
(5) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, Ibid ., vol. 6, p. 16
(6) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works , op. cit. , vol. 5, p. 549
(7) Professor, Dr. To Lam: "The power of solidarity", Communist Magazine, No. 1,065 (July 2025)
(8) Professor, Dr. To Lam: “Some basic contents about the new era, the era of national rise; strategic orientations to bring the country into a new era, the era of national rise”, Electronic Communist Magazine, November 1, 2024, https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/media-story/-/asset_publisher/V8hhp4dK31Gf/content/ky-nguyen-moi-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-ky-nguyen-phat-trien-giau-manh-duoi-su-lanh-dao-cam-quyen-cua-dang-cong-san-xay-dung-thanh-cong-nuoc-vie
(9) Government Office: Notice No. 576 -TB/VPCP, dated December 27, 2024, on the Conclusion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 10th Session of the Central Emulation and Reward Council, p. 3
(10) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit. , vol. 1, p. 284
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