Vietnam on Tuesday celebrated the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from France with a massive military parade in the capital, Hanoi, marked by pageantry, patriotism, and pledges of national renewal.
Tens of thousands of people lined Ba Dinh Square, the historic site where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence on September 2, 1945. Nearly 16,000 soldiers took part in the parade, marching alongside an array of military hardware including fighter jets, helicopters, and missile systems. Honor guards from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia also joined the event, underscoring Vietnam’s regional and international ties.
To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, used the occasion to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle against colonial rule and subsequent conflicts. He pledged that the governing party remained committed to transforming the country into what he described as a “powerful, prosperous, and happy nation” by 2045, the centennial of independence.
“In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember our ancestors,” Lam declared. “Our nation has overcome countless difficulties and challenges. We have moved from being a colony to an independent, unified state that is advancing steadily toward modernity.”
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For many, the anniversary carried deeply personal meaning. Nineteen-year-old university student Vu Thi Trang told AFP she had reserved her spot two days in advance to witness the spectacle. “Something inside just pushed me to be here,” she said. “I am grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation, so that we have peace and freedom to grow up.”
Beyond the military showcase, the government used the anniversary to unveil sweeping gestures of goodwill. Officials announced that each of the country’s 100 million citizens would receive a cash gift of 100,000 dong (about $3.80). In addition, President Luong Cuong declared a broad amnesty that will see 13,920 prisoners — including 66 foreigners — released before serving their full sentences.
The commemorations combined solemn remembrance with forward-looking optimism, positioning Vietnam’s independence not just as a historical milestone, but as a platform for future aspirations.