Hanoi bore witness to a powerful display of national pride as Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945. Tens of thousands of citizens gathered in the capital’s historic Ba Dinh Square, the very site where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the nation’s freedom, to celebrate with a grand military parade and heartfelt tributes to the sacrifices of past generations. The event, steeped in symbolism, underscored Vietnam’s journey from a colonized territory to a unified, independent state under Communist leadership, while also highlighting its aspirations for the future.
A Show of Strength and Unity
The parade, one of the largest in recent memory, featured nearly 16,000 soldiers marching in precise formation, alongside an impressive array of military hardware. Missiles, helicopters, and fighter jets roared overhead, symbolizing Vietnam’s modern defense capabilities and its determination to safeguard its sovereignty. Honour guards from neighboring countries and allies, including China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia, joined the procession, reflecting Vietnam’s regional and international ties. The meticulously choreographed event was not just a commemoration but a statement of resilience for a nation that has endured decades of conflict and hardship.
At the heart of the celebrations was a speech by To Lam, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Addressing the massive crowd, Lam paid homage to the countless individuals who fought and died for independence. He reiterated the CPV’s ambitious vision to transform Vietnam into a “powerful, prosperous and happy nation” by 2045, a goal tied to the centennial of the country’s independence. “In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember our ancestors” Lam declared on September 2, 2025, as reported by local outlets. “Our nation has overcome countless difficulties and challenges. Our country has transformed from a colony into an independent and unified nation, steadily advancing towards modernity.” 
The sentiment of gratitude and reverence for the past resonated deeply with attendees. Tú Viễn, a 23-year-old university student, shared her personal connection to the event with Broadsheet Asia “I am grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation, so that we have peace and freedom to grow up.” Her words captured the intergenerational bond that the anniversary celebrations sought to honor, linking Vietnam’s youth with the struggles of their forebears.
A Historical Milestone Rooted in Struggle
The significance of September 2, 1945, cannot be overstated in Vietnam’s national narrative. On that day, Ho Chi Minh stood before a crowd in Ba Dinh Square and declared independence, citing the principles of self-determination enshrined in the American Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution. However, France’s refusal to recognize this declaration set the stage for a protracted and bloody conflict. The decisive Vietnamese victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 forced France’s withdrawal not only from Vietnam but also from neighboring Laos and Cambodia, marking a turning point in the region’s anti-colonial movements.
Yet, independence did not bring immediate peace. The 1954 Geneva Accords divided Vietnam into the Communist-led North and the US-backed South, igniting a two-decade-long war that became a defining chapter of the 20th century. The Vietnam War, as it is globally known, ended on April 30, 1975, when Communist forces captured Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, unifying the country under a single government. The scars of that conflict linger in Vietnam’s collective memory, but so too does the pride in having overcome such formidable odds. Today, the anniversary serves as a reminder of both the cost of freedom and the enduring spirit of resistance that defines the nation.
Gestures of Goodwill and National Celebration
As part of the 80th anniversary festivities, the Vietnamese government announced measures to share the spirit of the occasion with its citizens. Last week, authorities revealed plans to distribute 100,000 Vietnamese Dong, approximately US$3.80, to each of the country’s 100 million people. While modest in value, the gesture symbolizes national unity and gratitude, ensuring that every citizen feels included in the milestone. Additionally, President Luong Cuong declared an amnesty for 13,920 prisoners, including 66 foreigners, allowing them to be released before completing their sentences. Such acts of clemency are often associated with major national holidays in Vietnam, reflecting a tradition of compassion intertwined with celebration.
These initiatives also underscore the government’s efforts to balance historical reflection with forward-looking optimism. The cash distribution and prisoner releases are not merely symbolic; they are intended to foster a sense of shared purpose and renewal as Vietnam navigates its path toward becoming a modern, industrialized nation. The CPV, which has governed since unification in 1975, remains central to this vision, guiding the country through economic reforms and international integration while maintaining strict political control.
Nationalism and the Communist Legacy
The military parade and surrounding events are emblematic of the strong nationalist sentiment that continues to shape Vietnam under Communist rule. The CPV has long positioned itself as the guardian of Ho Chi Minh’s legacy, emphasizing unity, independence, and socialism as core national values. Public displays of military might, such as the one witnessed in Hanoi, serve to reinforce this narrative, reminding citizens and the world of Vietnam’s hard-won sovereignty. At the same time, they reflect the government’s sensitivity to external threats and its commitment to defending the nation’s interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Vietnam’s relationship with its past colonial powers and wartime adversaries has evolved significantly over the decades. While historical grievances remain, particularly concerning France and the United States, the country has pursued pragmatic diplomacy, forging economic and strategic partnerships with former foes. The presence of honour guards from China and Russia at the parade highlights Vietnam’s alignment with traditional allies, while its engagement with Western nations demonstrates a balancing act aimed at securing economic growth without compromising political ideology. This duality—honoring the past while embracing selective aspects of globalization—defines much of Vietnam’s contemporary identity.
A Youthful Nation Looks to the Future
For many young Vietnamese like Vu Thi Trang, the anniversary is less about the distant past and more about the present and future. Born into a Vietnam that has enjoyed relative peace and rapid development since the late 20th century, today’s youth often view historical events through the lens of national pride rather than personal memory. The country’s economic reforms, initiated in the 1980s under the Doi Moi policy, have transformed Vietnam into one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, lifting millions out of poverty and integrating the nation into global markets. Yet challenges such as income inequality, environmental degradation, and political dissent persist, testing the CPV’s ability to deliver on its promises of prosperity by 2045.
Education and state-sponsored commemorations play a crucial role in shaping how younger generations perceive their history. Events like the independence anniversary parade are designed to instill a sense of duty and patriotism, ensuring that the sacrifices of figures like Ho Chi Minh and the soldiers of Dien Bien Phu are not forgotten. At the same time, the government faces the task of addressing modern aspirations—access to technology, global opportunities, and personal freedoms—that may sometimes clash with traditional socialist ideals.
Regional Context and Global Implications
Vietnam’s independence celebrations also carry significance beyond its borders. In a region marked by diverse political systems and historical rivalries, the event serves as a reminder of Southeast Asia’s shared colonial past and the varied paths to self-determination. Neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia, which also gained independence from France in the mid-20th century, sent representatives to the parade, signaling solidarity among nations with intertwined histories. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s military display and nationalist rhetoric resonate in the context of ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, where the country asserts claims against China’s expansive ambitions.
On the global stage, Vietnam has emerged as a key player in manufacturing and trade, benefiting from shifts in supply chains away from China. Its ability to maintain political stability while pursuing economic openness has drawn attention from investors and policymakers alike. The 80th anniversary, therefore, is not just a domestic milestone but a moment for Vietnam to project confidence and ambition to the world. As To Lam’s speech emphasized, the journey from colony to modern nation is far from complete, and the next two decades will be critical in determining whether Vietnam can achieve the “powerful, prosperous and happy” status it envisions.
As the echoes of marching boots and roaring jets fade from Ba Dinh Square, the question remains: how will Vietnam balance its storied past with the demands of a rapidly changing future? The 80th anniversary of independence has reaffirmed the nation’s pride in its history, but the path to 2045 will test its resolve to adapt and thrive in an interconnected world.
