From Hanoi, the flames of the uprising spread rapidly. In Hue, on the morning of August 23, tens of thousands of people from all directions converged on the Ngo Mon Gate, carrying flags, banners, and slogans. Sea of conical hats clustered under the midday sun of the Central region; chants echoed along the Perfume River, mingling with the sounds of drums and wooden tocsins from the lengthening lines of demonstrators. In Saigon, on August 25, a human tide overflowed onto the main boulevards; banners and red flags with yellow stars blanketed every intersection. Many marched while chanting slogans; others carried megaphones, trumpets, and drums, as the masses responded in unison. In just a few days, governance across most localities had returned to the hands of the people.
The August Revolution closed the chapter on nearly a century of French colonial domination and five years of Japanese fascist rule. This was not merely a political victory, but the comprehensive liberation of a nation from the yoke of dual slavery. From the status of a colony, the Vietnamese people stepped into a new era—an era of independence and self-determination over their own destiny.
We still see that spirit of single-minded unity, that passionate and ironclad patriotism, when young people turn stadiums, stands, and streets into a sea of red with the National Flag, singing the "Tien Quan Ca" in unison.
This victory stemmed from the sagacity of President Ho Chi Minh, our Party, and the Viet Minh Front in seizing a "once-in-a-millennium" opportunity. In August 1945, with Japanese fascism surrendering to the Allies and the puppet administration paralyzed, the people across the country were seething with revolutionary fervor. Grasping that decisive moment, President Ho Chi Minh and the Party Central Committee timely launched a general uprising to seize power. As Uncle Ho affirmed: "The favorable time has arrived; no matter the sacrifice, even if we must burn the entire Truong Son range, we must be resolute in winning independence."
The August Revolution stands as a rare miracle in human history: In just over half a month, a colonial-fascist regime 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. Furthermore, this was a Revolution that was largely bloodless. That miracle did not stem from modern weaponry or a massive military force, but from a fierce belief in righteousness and the unity of the entire nation.
Eighty years have passed, and Vietnam has traveled a long road—from a country impoverished, devastated, and ruined by war, to becoming a dynamic economy closely integrated with the world.
August 19 bestowed upon our nation three core values: Independence—the right to determine our own future; Liberty—the liberation of humanity from oppression to live and pursue happiness; and National Dignity—the pride that Vietnam can hold its head high before the world, as an equal among nations. These values constitute a colossal strength that lives on through time, preserved and enriched through every stage of history.
Eighty years have passed, and Vietnam has traveled a long road—from a country impoverished, devastated, and ruined by war, to becoming a dynamic economy closely integrated with the world. Yet, many challenges lie ahead: pressures of global competition, climate change, and the demands for technological innovation and governance reform. In this context, the spirit of August 19 remains a wellspring of strength, urging every Vietnamese citizen to think further, perform better, and take ultimate responsibility for the future of the country.
Today, that spirit must be manifested through concrete actions: Workers must be more dedicated and creative; businesses must enhance their competitiveness and maintain integrity; officials and party members must place national interest above all personal calculations. If eighty years ago, our forefathers reclaimed independence, then today, our generation must claim a worthy position for Vietnam within the ranks of developed, mighty, and civilized nations.
We continue our march, stepping firmly into a new era with the aspiration to build a mighty, wealthy, civilized, and prosperous Vietnam, where the people are truly well-fed and happy.
The aspiration for a mighty Vietnam does not stop at a dream, but is expressed in a commitment: No one is left behind; no one lacks food, clothing, or shelter; every child is educated; every citizen receives good healthcare; every scientist has a creative environment; every entrepreneur is free to do business within the framework of the law; and social justice is guaranteed for all. That is also the image of a nation that knows how to preserve its cultural identity and protect the living environment, while contributing to the peace and shared prosperity of humanity.
Today, we still witness that spirit of single-minded unity, that passionate and ironclad patriotism, when young people turn stadiums, stands, and streets into a sea of red with the National Flag, singing the Tien Quan Ca (Marching Song) in unison.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, we remember those who fell, express gratitude to the generation of our fathers and grandfathers, and remind ourselves to keep our oath: To protect independence, preserve liberty, elevate national dignity, and drive the country further forward. That is the journey of building and defending the Fatherland, preserving the achievements that the August Revolution opened up. From the Autumn of 1945 to today, that journey has never ceased—and from this Autumn, we continue our march, stepping firmly into a new era with the aspiration to build a mighty, wealthy, civilized, and prosperous Vietnam, where the people are truly well-fed and happy.
. Nguyễn Sĩ Dũng - The Government Newspaper (Báo Chính phủ)
