Vinh Phuc Newspaper respectfully introduces the content of the speech of General Secretary To Lam at the Ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

General Secretary To Lam - Photo: VNA

On the morning of April 30, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Executive Committee of the Party, the National Assembly, the President, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City solemnly held the Ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Vinh Phuc Newspaper respectfully introduces the content of the speech of General Secretary To Lam.

"Dear leaders and former leaders of the Party, State and Vietnam Fatherland Front,

Dear revolutionary elders, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, People's Armed Forces Heroes, Labor Heroes, generals, officers, veterans, families with meritorious services to the country,

Dear international guests,

Dear delegates, comrades, compatriots, soldiers nationwide and the Vietnamese community abroad.

Today, in the heroic atmosphere of the historic April 30th, in the Heroic City named after beloved President Ho Chi Minh, with great excitement and pride, the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly, the President, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front solemnly held the Ceremony to celebrate "50 years of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification" - the most brilliant milestone in the history of building and defending the country of the nation; marking the glorious end of the 30-year steadfast struggle for independence, freedom, and national reunification; ending more than a century of domination by old and new colonialism; bringing the country into a new era, the era of national independence and socialism.

On behalf of the leaders of the Party, State, and Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, I warmly welcome and respectfully send to the leaders, former leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, revolutionary veterans, heroic Vietnamese mothers, heroes of the People's Armed Forces, and heroes of labor; generals, officers, soldiers, veterans, militia, guerrillas, youth volunteers, frontline workers, families with meritorious services to the country, international guests, all compatriots and comrades nationwide, overseas Vietnamese, and the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City my respectful greetings, warm regards, and best wishes.

Forever grateful for the great contributions of the revolutionary leaders of the past

In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember and express our boundless gratitude for the great contributions of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh - the genius leader of our Party and people, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, the national liberation hero, the world cultural celebrity, the outstanding soldier of the international communist and workers' movement - with the burning desire to liberate the South, unify the country, with the belief that "No matter how difficult or arduous, our people will definitely win. Our Fatherland will definitely be unified. The people of the North and the South will definitely be reunited under one roof".

We will forever remember and be grateful for the great contributions of the revolutionary leaders, martyrs, heroic Vietnamese mothers, heroes of the people's armed forces, generations of cadres, generals, officers, soldiers, militia, guerrillas, youth volunteers, frontline workers, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs, families with meritorious services to the revolution, veterans, and the entire people's armed forces and people across the country as well as overseas Vietnamese, who have devoted and sacrificed their lives for the cause of completely liberating the South and reunifying the country.

We sincerely thank our brothers, comrades and international friends, progressive forces and peace-loving people around the world for their great, valuable, loyal, and steadfast support and assistance to the Vietnamese people's cause of national liberation and reunification.

Dear comrades, compatriots and delegates,

Immediately after the success of the August Revolution in 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born, our people had to enter into two resistance wars, a long-term struggle to protect the independence and unification of the country.

The resistance war against French colonialism ended, like many peoples in the world, the Vietnamese people wished for a peaceful, independent and free life. However, the US imperialists quickly replaced the French colonialists in intervening in Vietnam, carrying out the plot to divide our country, turning the South of our country into a new type of colony, an outpost to prevent communism in Southeast Asia and other progressive forces in the world.

During the war of aggression against Vietnam, the US imperialists mobilized a large number of soldiers with the most modern and sophisticated weapons, deployed many dangerous war strategies; conducted two brutal destructive wars against the North, causing much pain and loss to the people in both parts of the country and the consequences of the war still last until today.

In the face of countless difficulties, challenges, hardships and fierceness, we inherited and promoted the glorious tradition of our ancestors in fighting against foreign invaders, summarized valuable lessons in the long-term resistance war against French colonialism, with courage and clear-sighted intelligence, promoted the strength of the people and the great national unity bloc, and made the most of the support and assistance of international friends, progressive forces and peace-loving people in the world. Our Party and President Ho Chi Minh led our army and people to simultaneously carry out two strategic tasks: Socialist Revolution in the North and People's National Democratic Revolution in the South, resolutely repelling the invaders.

Intellectuals participate in the parade on April 30

With a burning desire to protect the independence and unity of the country, with the spirit of "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", all over the country "from Muc Nam Quan to Ca Mau Cape" the whole nation joined hands to repel the invaders and everywhere marked the bravery, sacrifices and glorious feats of our army and people. With the iron will "to liberate the South, we are determined to move forward", our army and people won step by step, defeated each part, and moved towards complete victory with the climax being the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, bringing the country back together.

Years will pass, but the victory of our people in the resistance war against the US to save the country will forever be recorded in the history of the nation as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, a victory of justice, a victory of Vietnamese mettle, spirit and intelligence; of ardent patriotism, the desire for independence, freedom and national unification, with the truth "Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one", a milestone affirming that our entire Party, people and army have realized the most earnest wishes and instructions of Uncle Ho, completing the cause of completely liberating the South, reunifying the country, and bringing North and South together as one family.

The victory of the resistance war against the US to save the country originated from the correct and creative leadership of the Party; from the people's war line, carried out with the strength of great national unity and international solidarity; from the combination of military struggle, political struggle, diplomatic struggle and the art of choosing the right time, concentrating forces to carry out a general attack and uprising; from the strength of the great rear base in the North against the great front line in the South, with the spirit: Not a pound of rice is missing, not a soldier is missing; cutting across Truong Son to save the country; from the great, righteous, sincere and effective support and assistance of the Soviet Union, China and the fraternal socialist countries; from the special solidarity between Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia; from the people and peace-loving, progressive forces in the world, including the progressive people of the US.

In particular, the Great Victory of Spring 1975 strongly encouraged the national liberation movement of the world's people for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress; opened the way for the collapse of neo-colonialism worldwide, creating an important turning point in the history of humanity in the 20th century.

Along with its epochal significance, the Great Victory of Spring 1975 left behind valuable lessons in both theory and practice for the revolutionary cause of our Party and nation.

That is (1) The lesson of promoting the strength of the People and the great national unity bloc, skillfully combining national strength with the strength of the times.

(2) Lessons on promoting patriotism, national pride, self-respect, and national pride; the spirit of independence, self-reliance, bravery, and resilience; and the determination to fight and win of our entire Party, people, and army.

(3) Lessons on raising high the flag of national independence and socialism, determining the correct path, suitable to the conditions and characteristics of the Vietnamese revolution.

(4) Lessons on creatively applying and developing revolutionary struggle methods and methods of conducting all-people, all-out war; developing unique and creative theories of people's war and military art; "using the few to fight the many", "using benevolence to replace violence".

(5) Lessons on grasping, seizing opportunities and attacking rapidly, boldly, proactively, sensitively, flexibly, creatively and resolutely to carry out the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising to achieve complete victory.

(6) Lessons on compassion, national harmony, putting the past behind and looking to the future after victory.

(7) But the greatest lesson, and at the same time the leading factor deciding the victory of the Great Spring Victory of 1975, was to maintain the absolute leadership of the Party; to build a strong Party in all aspects; to enhance the leadership capacity and fighting strength of the Party throughout the process of fighting for national liberation, national reunification and protecting the achievements of Socialism.

Women's bloc participates in the parade

Dear comrades, compatriots and delegates,

Promoting the valuable lessons from the victory of the resistance war against the US to save the country, under the leadership of the Party, our entire people and army have joined hands to restore, rebuild, build and develop the country according to Uncle Ho's will: "My last wish is that our entire Party and people unite to strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous Vietnam, and make a worthy contribution to the world revolutionary cause."

After 50 years of national reunification and nearly 40 years of implementing the renovation process, our country has overcome many difficulties and challenges, achieved great and historic achievements, and created the foundation, potential, position and international prestige as it is today.

From a poor, backward country heavily devastated by war, besieged and isolated, Vietnam has now become a developing country with an upper middle-income, deeply integrated into world politics, the global economy, and human civilization, taking on many important international responsibilities, and playing a proactive and active role in many important international organizations and multilateral forums.

Independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity are maintained; national and ethnic interests are guaranteed. The size of the economy in 2024 will rank 32nd in the world and be among the top 20 economies in terms of trade and foreign investment attraction.

People's lives have improved significantly, the poverty rate has decreased sharply, now only 1.93% (according to multidimensional standards) compared to over 60% in 1986. Economic, political, cultural, social, scientific - technological, defense and security potentials have been constantly consolidated. Foreign relations have been expanded; the country's position and prestige have been constantly enhanced.

To date, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries that are members of the United Nations; built cooperative relationships, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all major powers in the world, including the United States; and 2025 is also the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations.

Dear comrades, compatriots and delegates,

Half a century has passed, with great achievements, we are standing at a new historical starting point to help the country rise up, take off, and "stand shoulder to shoulder with the world powers".

To realize the aspiration of building Vietnam "in more than ten days", we need to liberate all production capacity, unleash all resources, promote all potentials and strengths of the country to strongly promote socio-economic development.

By 2025, strive for economic growth of 8% or more and double digits in the 2026-2030 period, determined to successfully implement strategic goals by 2030, Vietnam becomes a developing country with modern industry and high average income; by 2045, become a developed country with high income following the Socialist orientation.

Focus on thoroughly resolving bottlenecks and bottlenecks in development institutions; adjusting economic space, expanding development space, enhancing decentralization, delegation of power, allocation and combination of economic resources; establishing a new growth model with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as the main driving force to create strong changes in productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the economy, identifying the private economy as the most important driving force of the national economy.

Continue to break through in thinking and methods to create new productivity, new productive forces, and new quality.

"People are the root", people are the center, the subject, the purpose of building, developing the country and protecting the Fatherland.

Proud of the glorious historical tradition of the nation, with infinite gratitude for the great contributions and sacrifices of soldiers and compatriots across the country, we are even more aware of our responsibility to carry out Uncle Ho's instructions before he passed away: "The Party must have a good plan to develop the economy and culture, in order to constantly improve the people's lives".

Caring for the people, increasingly meeting the material and spiritual needs of the people, especially those in remote, border, island areas, revolutionary base areas, and former resistance areas, is always the Party's goal.

We must focus on implementing well the policies of social justice, social progress, social security, social welfare, and policies for people with meritorious services; implement the policy of exempting tuition fees for all levels of general education; be determined to complete the program of eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses nationwide, promote the construction of social housing for low-income people; focus on developing healthcare and taking care of people's health, moving towards exempting hospital fees for people, so that every Vietnamese person can truly have a secure, safe, free, prosperous, and happy life.

Deeply aware of the incomparable great strength of the People and the great solidarity of the entire Vietnamese nation, we thoroughly grasp and consistently implement the viewpoint that "people are the root", people are the center, the subject, and the purpose of the cause of national construction, development, and defense.

Strongly implement the policy of national harmony and reconciliation with the spirit that we all have the blood of Lac Hong, are all brothers and sisters, "like trees of the same root, like children of the same family". All Vietnamese people are citizens of Vietnam, have the right to live, work, the right to freely pursue happiness and love on the homeland, have the right and responsibility to contribute to building the Fatherland.

With the policy of closing the past, respecting differences, and looking toward the future, our entire Party, people, and army will strive to build a peaceful, unified, happy, prosperous, and developed Vietnam.

As a nation that has experienced countless pains and losses due to war in the past and also a nation that has enjoyed great benefits from peace and friendly cooperation in recent decades, Vietnam earnestly wishes to work with the international community to build a future of peace, prosperity, solidarity and development.

Let us do all we can today, with the hope of leaving to future generations not only a better world, but also faith and admiration for the sense of responsibility and wisdom of today's generation.

We will continue to deepen our friendship and cooperation with countries around the world; promote the implementation of the motto "Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community"; innovate mechanisms and policies, create all favorable conditions for international friends and the Vietnamese community abroad, those who carry Vietnamese cultural identity, have grown up in developed countries, have expertise and management knowledge, and have extensive international connections, to participate in activities to promote socio-economic development in Vietnam.

The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification is also a historic moment for all Vietnamese people, all classes of people, compatriots of all ethnic groups and religions, Party members and all people at home and overseas, millions of people as one, to unite, join hands, and turn towards the Fatherland for the goal of building a rich, prosperous, civilized and happy Vietnam.

Children's group participates in the parade - Photo: QUANG DINH

In the context of the complicated world situation, as a nation that has suffered many losses and pains due to war, deeply understanding the precious values ​​of peace, independence and freedom, we need to continue to strengthen and modernize national defense and security, build a national defense for peace and self-defense, firmly protect the Fatherland "early", "from afar", "protect the country when the country is not yet in danger". Build and promote the "people's heart position", firmly consolidate the national defense position and the people's security position.

Building a revolutionary, disciplined, elite, modern People's Army and People's Public Security force as the core force to firmly protect the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Fatherland, as the "sacred sword" and "shield" to protect the Party, State, People, and the regime, always being a solid support for the people.

Proud of the glorious Party and the great achievements of our army and people under the Party's leadership, we strive to build a clean, strong, and comprehensive Party so that the Party is truly "moral and civilized", representing the intelligence, honor, and conscience of the nation and the era, worthy of the trust, choice, and expectations of the People.

Continue to innovate the Party's leadership, governance and fighting strength; successfully carry out the revolution in reorganizing the political system and administrative units to ensure they are streamlined, strong, efficient, effective and efficient. Build and gradually perfect the power control mechanism, resolutely push back corruption, waste, negativity and bureaucracy.

Building a team of cadres at all levels, especially strategic cadres and leaders with sufficient qualities, intelligence, dedication, effort, daring to think, daring to do, daring to take responsibility for the interests of the country and the people.

Dear compatriots, comrades and delegates,

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification; welcoming International Labor Day on May 1, the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and other important holidays in 2025, on behalf of the leaders of the Party, State and Vietnam Fatherland Front, I would like to once again sincerely thank all compatriots, comrades, and those who have sacrificed themselves for the country; thank the people, peace-loving friends, and progressive forces around the world for supporting and helping the Vietnamese people in the past struggle for national liberation, as well as in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland today.

Promoting the spirit of the Great Victory of Spring 1975, promoting the values ​​and achievements gained over 40 years of Renovation, our entire Party, people and army strive to successfully complete the 5-year socio-economic development plan for 2021 - 2025, competing to achieve many achievements to welcome Party Congresses at all levels towards the 14th National Congress of the Party.

With the Vietnamese spirit, intelligence and strength, we have achieved the Great Victory of Spring 1975. We will certainly continue to gain even greater achievements, create miracles in the new era, the era of wealth, civilization, prosperity, and national development, building our country to be "more dignified and more beautiful", standing shoulder to shoulder with the world powers as President Ho Chi Minh wished and the aspiration of the entire nation.

The spirit of the Great Victory of Spring 1975 is immortal!

Long live the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam!

Long live the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!

Eternal glory to the people!

Great President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our cause!

Thank you very much!